Issue - meetings

The Leader, or his nominee, to answer a question from Councillor S. Dunn on an issue in her Ward, adjourned from the meeting held on 22 October 2020. The written response provided in advance of the adjourned meeting is attached.

Question from Councillor S. Dunn

“Sunbury Leisure Centre Pool has been closed indefinitely since Lockdown.  We have been liaising with Officers to ensure that residents can be informed of updates and we understand more information from a structural report will be due in early November. Once the report establishes the findings and exact costings, to return Sunbury Leisure Centre Pool to full operation, a timeline can be published.

In the meantime, can this Administration agree with us that Sunbury Leisure Centre is an important Community asset and commit to investment to reopen the facility as early as possible including future proofing to improve the Centre for many years to come”

The Mayor reported that one Ward Issue question had been received, in accordance with Standing Order 15.

Question from Councillor S. Dunn

“Sunbury Leisure Centre Pool has been closed indefinitely since Lockdown.  We have been liaising with Officers to ensure that residents can be informed of updates and we understand more information from a structural report will be due in early November. Once the report establishes the findings and exact costings, to return Sunbury Leisure Centre Pool to full operation, a timeline can be published.

In the meantime, can this Administration agree with us that Sunbury Leisure Centre is an important Community asset and commit to investment to reopen the facility as early as possible including future proofing to improve the Centre for many years to come”

Response from the Portfolio Holder for Leisure Services, Councillor R. Chandler

“This Administration certainly agrees that Sunbury Leisure Centre is an important community asset.  We are committed to providing high quality leisure facilities for our residents and, as Spelthorne Council has the lease to the leisure centre building until 2038, we will continue to invest in this facility to ensure that it meets the needs of our residents.  Unfortunately, at present the pools at the centre remain closed, although the rest of the centre is open for other sports and fitness use.

During lockdown it became evident that there were significant structural issues to the both the main pool and the teaching pool, the cause of which is still under investigation. The Council is currently working with a specialist company to determine the extent of the damage and what caused the issue. Core samples have been taken from the pool tanks and we are pushing for an interim analysis report before the end of the month to enable us to begin the procurement process.

This is unfortunately taking longer than it usually would due to COVID restrictions and limited technicians in the testing laboratory. The Council have been told to expect a detailed specialist report in November. The position with insurance will remain unknown until the cause can be determined and the Council will then need to establish responsibility. The likely cost for repairs is currently estimated at between £250,000 and £500,000 and if the Council is responsible for any of these costs a full report will be submitted to Cabinet for consideration.”