Agenda item

To receive and consider the report of the Head of Estates & Operations.

The Committee received the report of the Operations Manager who was introduced to Members ahead of the item. His report concerned sports pitches and associated facilities.

Members heard that the cricket season had concluded and the football season had commenced successfully, with 18 matches having been played across the Council’s pitches during the opening weekend. Positive feedback had been received from clubs, particularly regarding pitch quality and communication with Officers. The Committee congratulated Officers on the successful start to the football season practically following such a dry summer period.

The Committee received the notes of the Football Season Meeting held on 18 August 2026. Members who had attended the meeting confirmed that it had been a positive and successful engagement with local clubs, providing a valuable opportunity to discuss facilities, future developments and operational matters.

The Committee received an update on the future of the cricket square at The Leys. Members noted that despite repeated efforts over a number of years to secure cricket use of the facility, no organisation had expressed a formal commitment to utilise the square. Concerns had also been raised regarding the suitability of the location given the increasing recreational use of the surrounding area and the associated health and safety considerations.

During discussion, Members reflected on the historic purpose of The Leys as land provided for sport and recreation following the First World War, with the intention of promoting health, wellbeing and physical activity within the town. It was noted that the Council, as custodian of the land, should seek to maximise its recreational use for the benefit of the community in whichever way was best.

It was further noted that a final expression of interest process remained underway, with a deadline of 30 September 2026 for any organisation wishing to utilise the cricket square. Members considered whether a decision on the future of the facility should be delegated to Officers following the expiry of that deadline. Following debate, a proposal was made that, subject to no suitable expression of interest being received, Officers be authorised to discontinue the cricket square and reconfigure the area for football and wider recreational use.

Upon being put to the vote, the proposal was carried. The vote being:

For                         Seven

Against                 Nil

Abstention         One

Recommended:

1.      That, the report and updates be noted.

2.      That, subject to no suitable expression of interest being received by 30 September 2026, Officers be authorised to discontinue the cricket square at The Leys and reconfigure the area for football and wider recreational use.