Report of Director of Leisure Services.

The Lead Member for Leisure and Culture presented a report seeking approval of the Play Strategy for 2006 to 2011.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

It was explained that the Play Strategy had been developed alongside a number of key internal and external strategic policies and reflected the importance of play in delivering on a number of the Council’s key ambitions.  The document, which was divided into four sections, covered legal responsibilities, barriers to play, the need for the strategy and primary and secondary research findings. It also included an Action Plan.

The strategy also took account of recent work that had been undertaken by the Open Space Needs Assessment and provided a structured approach to future investment decisions.  Its adoption would release £230,000 of Big Lottery funding, which would assist in the realisation of the Action Plan.

Members noted that opportunities to play could not be delivered by the Council alone and the partnership requirements were identified in the Action Plan.

RESOLVED :                  That the Play Strategy 2006/2011 be adopted.