Sports, Social & Entertainment
Sports, social and entertainment in an area that is very important to everyonr, there were two
facilities that are not currently provided that stood out from the rest, these were a community
centre and an all weather sports play area. The community centre was requested by all age groups
and would fulfil a demand both during the daytime and in the evening. An all weather sports play
area is needed for many who want to play basketball/netball/volleyball or to be able to roller
skate or just kick a football around. At present it seems there is a problem with people using
the tennis courts for this purpose and subsequently damaging the surface, equipment and fencing.
We asked about several facilities most of them would be accommodated by a community centre and
play area.
Recommendation
There were also other facilities requested.
A number of people would like to see the swimming pool covered to become a year round facility.
Recommendation
Other sports/recreation facilities in addition to those on the list were identified as:-
That the new 2000 group carry out a feasibility study for the provision of a covered pool.
| covered swimming pool | cycling area | roller skate rink |
| angling pool/lakes | music studios (practice) | workshops for elderly |
| gym | bowling alley | workshops for young |
| cinema | audio/visual tech centre | cycle paths |
| bingo hall | computer centre |
Town Hall
The town hall is already a valuable asset to the town and one which many people would use more. In many of the written comments we received there was a view that the town hall needed a refurbishment. As one of the comments said - "it was a visionary gift from then Hamlyn family in 1825" - a visionary approach to itsrefurbishment would be a fitting gift for future generations so that in the year 3001 someone can say "it was a visionary centre in 1999".
Of the many replies,
49% want to see adult education classes during the day,
48% think there should be more exhibitions in the town hall,
47% want more plays/productions,
39% want an indoor sports/gym/keep fit facility.
Other uses to those listed were:-
Recommendation
That the Town Council approve a feasibility study for refurbishment/replanning of the interior of
the town hall and also the potential access/entrance. That the 2000 Roup seek funding to achieve
this as part of a whole town scheme that includes the other facilities detailed above.
It was surprising to see that most people think that outdoor sports facilities are poor. We tought that sport was reasonably catered for within the town, this is clearly not the case - unless the many sports clubs are not known to many people. At the end of the report we have made a strong recommendation to address this and other sports issues.
| Your opinion of local outdoor sports facilities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Good | Reasonable | Poor | |
| Under 8 | 3% | 17% | 39% |
| 8-14 | 2% | 18% | 41% |
| 16-24 | 4% | 19% | 42% |
| 25-60 | 5% | 28% | 34% |
| 60+ | 3% | 22% | 29% |
| Your opinion of play, recreation and social facilities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Good | Reasonable | Poor | |
| Under 8 | 6% | 24% | 31% |
| 8-14 | 3% | 18% | 40% |
| 16-24 | 3% | 13% | 52% |
| 25-60 | 3% | 26% | 39% |
| 60+ | 4% | 24% | 28% |
Most people think that play, recreation and social facilities are also poor.
Recommendation
Clearly with such a result there is a need to find out what facilities people want to be provided.
The District Council sport and leisure department could be asked to assistin addressing problems.
We listed several social/leisure activities that you might want to take part in. Of these 38% wanted to go walking/rambling, 31% want to experience practical crafts and 25% wouold like a Gardening society.
You also managed to find many other activities not mentioned and these include
| angling club | outdoor sports pursuits club | martial arts club |
| skating club | tea dances | riding club |
| environmental group | aerobics/keep fit | adult computer club |
| film/cinema club | scrabble | archaeology |
| dog training club | motorbike maintenance classes | |
| arts/crafts club | juggling workshops |
In response to children's play area provision the answers were evenly spread between the choices with the exception of a total dog ban. 85% supported this in parks/play areas/cemetary and we have already recomended that the council make an application for a total dog ban. It is also notable that 52% want more play equipment for disabled children.