Agenda item

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

The Committee received and considered the report of the Head of Estate & Operations.

In light of recent reporting from the Football Association on the standard of sports pitches across the country Members received data on the level of use of the pitches under the Town Council’s control. Despite exceptional wet weather Officers were pleased to report that the level of use remained high; although some matches had been cancelled these had all been at the request of football clubs.

The Committee also heard of the potential return of cricket to The Leys following interest from Witney Mills Cricket Club, Officers were currently agreeing the details however were hopeful for its use between May & September. Members expressed their support and heard that any cricket would be structured around the other events held at The Leys such as Witney Carnival and seasonal fairs. It was also raised that any potential opportunity for English Cricket Board (ECB) support be explored.

The Leader of the Council, supported by the Committee expressed their thanks to the Ground Maintenance team for their hard work to ensure that the sport playing surfaces were kept in good order, special thanks went to the two members of the team who received long term service awards at the Civic Reception event held on the previous Friday.

The suggestion was made that Officers investigate the opportunities for members of the works team to be enrolled in FA accredited training days to further improve their knowledge and skills.

Lastly, Members heard that there had been approaches from other football teams outside of the town to use pitches; as capacity was at a high level these requests had been declined. In response to a question Officers assured Members that if any capacity became available then a further report would be presented for consideration and for a policy to be agreed.

Recommended:

1.     That, the report be noted and,

2.     That, Officers explore potential ECB funding and,

3.     That, Officers investigate the opportunity for further sport pitch accredited training and,

4.     That, the thanks of the Leader of the Council and Committee be passed to the Grounds Maintenance Team with special mention to the two long service members.