Agenda item

To receive and consider the confidential reports of the Head of Estates and Operations and Town Clerk/CEO.

The Committee received and considered the report of the Head of Estates & Operations regarding the progress of the lease arrangements for Witney Swifts Cricket Club.

Members heard that the Council and Witney Swifts had some differences regarding conditions to be included in the lease and that Officers were concerned about the impact on other sports user who utilised the West Witney Sports Ground.

The HE&O expressed his concerns that should the conditions within the lease not be followed it would create a risk to sports ground users both in respect of safety concerns and the protection of grounds maintenance. Members agreed that the Council needed to retain control of their facility and that the needs of Witney Swifts should not supersede those of other users.

Members considered the request from Witney Swifts to make use of the grounds for training at no cost, Members were aware of sessions which had taken place before; one of the purposes of any such fee being charged would be to compensate the Council for this additional impact. However, there would need to be a level of respect and honesty from all users, including football teams, for the additional use of the sports fields outside of booked arrangements for game days.

The Committee were unanimous in agreement with the draft lease, specifically point 1.2 which would address the season dates and specific conditions by which Witney Swifts would be required to adhere to should the season extend beyond those dates.

Additionally, The Committee received and considered the confidential report of the Town Clerk/CEO concerning the reformation of Witney Town Football Club and a mutually beneficial strategic partnership with Witney Town Council for the benefit of Witney and its residents.

Members were pleased to see the reformation had been successful, with the Club at the top of their league. Their community work and aspirations were to be commended, particularly regarding health and wellbeing and should be supported. The benefits of a strategic partnership as set out in their business plan were clear, but due diligence was required to ensure the Council did not overcommit operationally at this stage without further financial analysis.

Recommended:

1.      That, the confidential reports be noted and,

2.      That, Officers proceed with the lease discussions with Witney Swifts CC and,

3.      That, cricket training fees are not waived and

4.      That, Witney Town FC be endorsed as a community partner of Witney Town Council, recognising its significant contribution to local sporting and community development and,

5.      That, Witney Town FC be permitted to use the Corn Exchange to advertise published material, ensuring broader community engagement and accessibility and,

6.      That, financial, operational and community benefits of a more extensive strategic partnership between Witney Town FC and Witney Town Council be undertaken and presented at a future meeting of the Council.