To consider petitions received in accordance with the Scheme of Public Participation set out in Annex 2 of Part A4 of the Constitution.

The following petitions will be presented:-

·         Campaign for a new build leisure centre for Dunstable – 257 signatures.

·         The continued provision of an indoor bowls facility at the newly designed Dunstable Leisure Centre/Community Hub for the use of bowls clubs, the local general public, organisations for the disabled and the older generation of the area – 478 signatures.

In accordance with the Scheme of Public Participation set out in Annex 2 of Part 4 of the Constitution, the Executive received the following petitions:-

1.      Campaign for a new build leisure centre for Dunstable

Mr Kerr presented an e-petition, on behalf of Dunstable Swimming Club, containing 257 signatures requesting the Council to build a new purpose built leisure centre for Dunstable rather than refurbish the existing centre.  During the refurbishment Dunstable Leisure Centre would be closed for a period of at least 18 months leaving the community with no facilities within the town during this period.  Nor would the refurbishment centre provide additional capacity.  He welcomed the investment in the leisure centre, but felt that a new build leisure centre similar to the new Leisure Centre in Flitwick would be more appropriate.

The Deputy Executive Member for Community Services explained that the redevelopment of Dunstable Leisure Centre was in line with the Leisure Facilities Strategy.  

The level of expansion required in Dunstable was not the same as Flitwick.  Dunstable had a shortage of health, fitness and group exercise space. The condition of the pool needed improving but not the size of it.  The redevelopment would totally transform both leisure and library services in the town and facilitate further regeneration opportunities. Alternative sites had been considered but due to its central location with access to car parks and public transport, the existing centre remained the best location for these services. Dunstable would continue to have a community pool rather than a competition pool. In Central Bedfordshire there were two competition standard pools and an Olympic pool in Luton.

The Council appreciated that any closure period would need to be as short as possible to minimise disruption to customers.  Alternative options would be provided to customers to enable them to continue to take part in sport and physical activity during the closure period.

2.      The continued provision of an indoor bowls facility at the newly designed Dunstable Leisure Centre/Community Hub

          Mr Merter presented a paper petition, on behalf of the Dunstable Indoor Bowls Club, containing 478 signatures calling for the continued provision of an indoor bowls facility at the proposed refurbished Dunstable Leisure Centre/Community Hub for the use of bowls clubs, the local general public, organisations for the disabled and the older generation of the area.

The Deputy Executive Member for Community Services understood how important the current indoor bowls facility was and appreciated the impact of closure.  Discussions had taken place with South Beds Bowling Club and the National Governing Body.  Unfortunately the use of the indoor bowls facility had declined, but the Council would continue to look at alternative options to enable the public to continue to play indoor bowls.  There would be an offer of short matt bowls in the new leisure centre, if there was a demand for it. 

The Council supported the older age groups taking part in exercise, and there would be a range of other sport and physical activities used by the 65+ age group at Dunstable Leisure Centre. The 50+ community programme would also provide a range of social and low impact opportunities.