Agenda item

An Officer report will be tabled at the meeting, but the decision making relates to the reports presented to the Committee on 3rd July 2023 – minute no. PR365 and PR366 refer.

The Committee will be asked to consider the future of the cricket wicket at the Leys Recreation Ground for junior and women teams (subject to the evidence from clubs there is demand); If the Committee agree to junior/women teams on the Leys, should the Council then agree to move forward with a Lease Agreement for security of tenure to Witney Swifts for the cricket wicket at West Witney Sports Ground.

The Committee received and considered the report along with a verbal update from the Operations Manager.

Members were initially concerned about the retention of a cricket wicket at the Leys. The surrounding area was now frequently used by families and individuals to sit and enjoy the area recreationally, however a Member advised that if the wicket was in use then the events field would usually be free for park users to utilise and once removed it would be difficult to reintroduce in the future; it was also unlikely it would be used for anything other than amateur and junior cricket

Members were hesitant to provide a lease to Witney Swifts CC at West Witney Sports & Social Ground due to the loss of control this would bring over the ground and maintenance, although the possibility of a maintenance agreement should be explored. There was also the risk that the cricket and football seasons could clash causing issues between sporting groups.

A proposal to maintain The Leys cricket square and postpone any decision on its future until 2025 to allow the cricket teams time to explore the need for a wicket was made by Cllr Collins and seconded by Cllr Aitman. All members were in agreement.

Members also agreed with the proposal from Cllr Smith, seconded by Cllr Edwards Hughes to  defer any decision again to 2025 to issue a lease to Witney Swifts CC in order to allow Officers to fully explore the options.

Resolved:

1.      That, the report and verbal update be noted and,

2.      That, the decision to no longer maintain a cricket wicket at the Leys recreation Ground be deferred to spring 2025 and,

3.      That, the decision to issue a lease agreement at West Witney Sports Ground to Witney Swifts CC be deferred to spring 2025.