Recent stories in the local press include a resident demanding the removal of an outdoor table tennis table in Great Holm, the closure of a children’s play area in Southside Lane, restricted opening hours for the skate park at Broughton Gate. MK Council has recently told MK Parks Trust to close the motocross facility the other side of the motorway to Willen. MK Lions couldn’t apparently be found a new home in MK and left [though I appreciate you told me this wasn’t the whole story it is what is in the public domain]. MKCCM is looking to raise concerns about the look and management of the Buszy skate park area in CMK. support will be gathered through consultations and openness with plans and projects. The postcode lottery for reduced cost of access to some facilities – eg Bletchley and Fenny Stratford and West Bletchley Town Council’s providing funding for over-60s to swim at Bletchley Leisure Centre – but this is only for people living in MK1, 2 and 3 postcode areas. The pool serves a wider area than this and MK Council should provide funding centrally to ensure that there is equal access across the borough. Unfortunately, Milton Keynes Council does not have the funds to be able to provide this service. However, if funding became available then this is certainly an area of delivery could be explored. I understand that there can be considerable operational cost savings by linking an ice rink and swimming pool complex, so if MK is The site for the proposed competition pool is still to be determined.
Sport England (cont) Paragraph 22 – the stated need of another 20 courts does appear to be high when you look at current supply vs. demand from the FPM analysis. I know that the 20 is on the Nortoft Calculator analysis – I just wanted to check that you are happy that this large figure is correct. Swimming Pool Section Paragraph 45 – the recommendation of 12.07m² per 1000 listed would still be below the comparative national and regional figures referred to by Nortoft. Paragraph 46 – the new pools listed as priorities are likely to require significant funds (as if you didn’t know!) and as mentioned above, are you happy that these are realistic priorities? This takes account of both the increase in population in MK over the period up to 2026 and the growth in demand from increased rates of participation. The number of courts is probably actually too low given the success in increasing participation, and conversely the increasing restrictions on the use of school halls in MK. Swimming is a critical issue for MK and it is recognised that the amount of waterspace is too low. However we need to balance the realities of achieving a large increase in waterspace with the deliverability of new pools, particularly in the public sector. The private sector has a large proportion of pool space in MK and this would be another route to achieving an increase in water space in the longer term.
2.3 Strategic Priority Three – Actively Celebrate – the reference to economic development and inspiring participation are good. Maybe there could be reference also to ‘bringing communities together’. 2.3 Strategic Priority Three – Aim E: Events – there is a colon following the word Events which should be removed. Under Elite Sporting Events the name of SEMLEP is incorrect. It is the SEM Local ‘Enterprise’ Partnership and not ‘Economic’ 2.3 Strategic Priority – Aim E: Events – there could be a reference to different sports working together on joint events like the event at Shenley Brook End each year. 2.3 Strategic Priority Three – Aim F: Communications – all good 3.0 – Delivery 3.1 – Programme Plan 2014-2023 The three plans all have different formatting for the headings of 3.1 – these should be consistent. The intro paras are good. Strategic Priority 1: Enhance Identity Aim A: People – iv) Strategic Infrastructure – in terms of grants it would be helpful to reference the
Expansion into sports or activities can be explored as part of the delivery plan. Redways were discussed – better lighting, cut back, better signage. A perception that they are not safe. Noted. Promotion and awareness of opportunities in MK for older people – generally the opinion was that the internet was not the best option and they would prefer traditional printed information. Also the information had to be in places where the older adult would be – agreed that the best place was a doctors surgery – booklets, leaflets or information scrolling across the TV screens. Communication has been thoroughly discussed throughout the consultation and the methods employed to attract different groups. This will continue to be explored as we move through the strategy delivery. Respondent/ Workshop Comments MKC officer response Recommended changes are shown in bold Changes Committee Connections 9 October 2013 Attendees from: Centrecom Chepstow Community Centre Centrecom – mix of use from young to old and varying religions. People comment on the “feel” of the centre being warm and welcoming. Users are well represented on the committee and facility is managed by a good team. 100% full and constant demands for use of the centre. Extra time plus – 50+ activities sponsored by MK Dons. Parkinsons Society meet weekly with numbers increasing – now up Noted