Issue - meetings

To consider and approve new procedures for fitness training licence applications including the proposed pricing structure.

The Leisure Development Manager presented the report on the new procedure for fitness training licence applications and highlighted that a pilot programme had been trialled and it was time to formalise the process.

The Committee queried whether a group of friends meeting regularly to work out would be charged for using the park and were informed that they would not, that the scheme was for instances where a professional trainer was charging a fee for participation in group training activities.

The Committee asked whether the process would seek to ensure trainers were appropriately insured and were advised that as part of the registration process evidence of a risk assessment would need to be provided along with proof of public liability insurance. The Committee suggested that personal trainers could be required to carry proof of insurance and qualification when carrying out activities in the parks.

The Committee expressed concern about the fees and felt that use of parks should remain free. The Committee further stated that any fee charged to the personal trainer would be passed on to residents and could deter residents from accessing fitness activities.

It was proposed by Councillor Sexton, seconded by Councillor Caplin and resolved that the report be reviewed and for officers to re-look at the charges to make it a nominal fee to ensure we can safeguard residents.