RESIDENTS and visitors are being asked to have their say on the future of Redditch Borough Council’s Leisure Services.
The Council is running a survey, starting this Friday, August 11 until September 8, for people to give their views on how the authority’s Leisure and Cultural Services could be delivered in the future.
Responses will help officers shape options for a sustainable service that meets the needs of users and visitors.
The responses will also contribute to a full business case which is expected to be presented to Councillors in October.
The options could include continuing to provide services directly by the council or through an alternative system or organisation.
The Council’s Leisure Service includes:
* The Abbey Stadium
* Parks – Arrow Valley Park, Morton Stanley Park and Overdale Park
* Play Areas e.g. Batchley, Oakenshaw, Woodrow, Matchborough, Winyates
* Forge Mill Museum and Bordesley Abbey
* The Palace Theatre
* Allotments
* Pitcheroak Golf Course
* Community Centres – Batchley, Oakenshaw, Winyates Green and Windmill Centre
* Sports Development e.g. Couch 2 5K, holiday activities, schools coaching
* Events e.g. Street Theatre, Morton Stanley Festival, band stand events
* Arts development e.g. Youth Theatre, public art, AIR (Arts in Redditch)
Councillor Pat Witherspoon, whose portfolio covers leisure and cultural services, said: “We need to start thinking about the way we deliver our Leisure Services to ensure the jewels in Redditch’s crown continue to shine for years to come, whilst also responding to the budget pressures that we face as a council.
“The Council’s Leisure Service will affect the majority of our residents and visitors in one way or another, whether it’s a trip to the theatre, a walk around one of the parks, a spin class at the Abbey Stadium, a round of Golf or the holiday activities your children are currently enrolled on. We will not be making these decisions lightly, so I cannot stress how important it is that we receive responses from as many people as possible to ensure that we develop options that truly meet the needs of our residents and visitors.”
The survey can be completed online at: www.redditchbc.gov.uk/consultations by individuals or on behalf of a group or club. Members of the Leisure Services Team will also be on hand in public places and at events and activities to help people complete the survey. Paper copies will be available from the Abbey Stadium/Forge Mill/Palace Theatre/Pitcheroak/Events/Community Centres (Batchley/Oakenshaw/Winyates Green and Windmill).
Ballot boxes will also be placed to receive the survey in the Town Hall and Dial a Ride.
There are 17 questions in total and it should take no more than 15 minutes to complete. As a thank you, anyone who completes the survey can choose to enter a prize draw for a 12 month couples membership to the Abbey Stadium, a family ticket (two adults and two children) to see Snow White at the Palace Theatre (pantomime 2017) or an Apple iPad.
