Agenda item

The Head of Culture, Sport and Tourism presented a report of the Corporate Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth on the draft Physical Activity Strategic Delivery Framework (PASDF) for Durham County Council’s Culture Sport and Tourism Service (for copy of report see file of minutes).

In presenting the report, the Head of Culture, Sport and Tourism referred to the health outcomes following the COVID-19 pandemic which had underlined the important role for a physical activity strategy to enable the people of County Durham to live long, healthy and independent lives.  The Committee heard that the strategy is aligned to the public health led physical activity strategy and aims to work with internal and external partners to take a whole life approach to physical activity.  She continued that input from the Committee was welcomed.

Mrs R Morris said it was pleasing to see that the strategy supports the wider council policies, however, she raised concerns that walkers, runners and cyclists are exposed to traffic related air pollution and she questioned how the different strategies would work together.  The Head of Culture, Sport and Tourism explained that the work will link with highways and public rights of way teams and that whilst itwas difficult to ensure strategies are aligned and joined up work is ongoing to address this.

Mr T Bolton referred to those living in rural areas who are not served well by public transport and rely on cars to access sports facilities and he asked if there were plans in place to improve transport links and encourage more use of public transport and cycle routes. 

Mr T Bolton continued by explaining that as a member of the Local Access Forum which advises the council on recreation, he was aware of many small areas of land owned by the council which have public access.  He suggested that, if the council dedicated those areas of land under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act, this would improve public access and he requested that this be taken into consideration.  The Head of Culture, Sport and Tourism responded that public transport issues were being considered and she confirmed that access to footpaths, cycle shelters and public transport links were included in plans for the new build leisure centres.  In addition, the strategy makes provision for physical activity closer to home and promotes all activities which contribute to a healthy life, including encouraging movement and activity in general, as well as sports and exercise within formal settings such as leisure centres. 

Councillor Elmer expressed his support for the strategy which, he highlighted, is very much a cross-cutting council strategy with functions such as planning, rights of way, the provision of safe active transport and the prevention of anti-social behaviour all contributing to the health and wellbeing of residents in County Durham.  He questioned whether one department can exert influence on all the services that are required to be engaged and contribute to such a strategy. The Head of Culture, Sport and Tourism replied that the service was leading the changes through the Leisure Transformation programme and will strive to engage with all services to promote the successful delivery of the strategy, which had been designed to link into the wider council policies including Net Zero, the climate emergency response plan and the low carbon strategy.

Councillor Moist referred to small local sports clubs, observing they are often reluctant to apply for funding from other organisations and asked if this could be taken into consideration.  The Head of Culture, Sport and Tourism commented that these issues were being built into the framework in order that the strategy maximises the benefits for all.  In response to a question from Councillor Moist regarding Chester-le-Street Cross Fit lease, the Head of Culture, Sport and Tourism confirmed that the service was aware of the issue.

Resolved:

a)    That the report be noted.

b)    That a further update report on the development of the framework is provided at a future meeting of the Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee.