Paul Kirkpatrick welcomed everyone to the meeting. Each individual introduced themselves and who they are representing.

It was noted that there are a number of co-opted members/PLE staff who are no longer in their roles. R Wood will look to make the relevant amendments with the Democratic Services team.

Paul K noted that Cllr Tidridge is down as an attendee and apology at the last meeting. Cllr Tidridge will check.

Paul K went through each item of the previous minutes and the group agreed that the minutes were a correct record.

Paul K handed this item over to Cllr Broadhurst to lead. Cllr Broadhurst introduced the need to elect a Vice Chair from an associate club. Cllr Broadhurst proposed Paul Kirkpatrick as he has been a long-standing member of the committee. Cllr Irish seconded this proposal. There were no other nominees that came forward for the role. The group voted to re-elect Paul Kirkpatrick as Vice Chair. Cllr Tidridge abstained from voting.

Paul K introduced this item and highlighted the report within the agenda pack. Paul K read through point 3 of the fees and charges report, providing an overview of the current position which impacts on the setting of the fees and charges. The proposed prices were shared on the screen and Paul K talked through the different pricing areas, detailing the price percentage increases.

Cllr Irish – Comment that increases have been low over the years and increases are acceptable again this year.

Cllr Broadhurst – Worth noting that the figures have been rounded up to help with administration, which is why some of the percentages may look a little odd.

Paul K asked whether cash is now being taking over the counter. J Parker confirmed that this was now the case.

Cllr Broadhurst proposed that the charges are accepted, and it was agreed by the group.

Yasmin Stammers joined the meeting at this point.

M Mills shared some slides and talked through a presentation on PLE performance, highlighting what has been achieved over the last 6 months.

Throughput shows that there has been growth over the last 6 months, with a small drop off last month. M Mills mentioned that the broken access gate has impacted on monitoring of throughput.

D Jolliffe also added that the Queens funeral and associated closure would have negatively impacted on throughput figures.

Subscribed member numbers have increased and a new workforce has helped with this growth.

Swimming lessons and gym and tramp courses. Swimming lessons have grown over the last 6 months. 128 new swimmers on programme in September. Gymnastics in particular has seen growth with 2 new members of staff.

Trends – Positive feedback regarding swimming teachers, friendly staff and new gym layout.

Negative comments – class deductions in September – 11 classes removed from programme due to over provision and smaller attendance figures. Gate access has made management of throughput figures and anti-social behaviour challenging. Some negative comments regarding website and app issues.

Customer feedback – a number of comments were displayed in the presentation that have come from the net promotor score.

Energy Plans – A slide detailing plans on how energy usage and reduction is being managed to control costs. D Jolliffe stated that he and the team are working hard with the client team to limit the impact on customers, although there will be some challenging areas coming forward related to temperatures etc.

D Jolliffe stated that unit costs have significantly increased (600% increase) putting pressure on the sector.

Paul K – main pool water temp drop to 27.5 and less mobile swimmers do notice this difference. Could there be a water temperature indication to help overcome subjective views.

J Parker stated that pool temperatures have not changed since opening after covid in April 2021.

Cllr Gin Tidridge asked about cycling and access to the centre. It is not very clear in terms of access and where cyclist have been expected to be. It would be helpful if that could be made clear.

Cllr Broadhurst – Problem with gate, concerned that this opens up risk to anti-social behaviour. When do we hope to have this back up and running.

J Parker – new gate is on order and hoping that this will be in place for October half term.

Solar panels – no direct benefit to PLE as managed by EBC.

G Latham – a few swimmers have quit the club due to anti-social behaviour from young people in café area.

S Abbey – has been in touch with the local school who is going to help with identifying young people. Parents have also been spoken to which has already seen an impact. S Abbey has also linked in with police who are supporting where needed.

G Latham – Open access into site has resulted in items being stolen from changing rooms. S Abbey stated that this is a difficult situation to manage although staff have tried their best to control this situation. New gate will once it has been installed.

R Wood provided an overview of the good work S Abbey and his team have done recently in dealing with some of the anti-social behaviour issues that have been experienced on site.

Cllr Tidridge flagged that being a traveller is a protected characteristic and should be referred to appropriately.

G Latham – Membership currently sits at 132 from 142 capacity. Limitation to growth is pool time. Lost head coach in August to Winchester Penguins. Looking a solidifying strategy around pathways from stage 1 through to elite swimmers. Looking to develop links with PLE swim school.

Member rep comment raised a concern with the reduced number of group exercise classes within the programme. J Parker – this was due to low performing classes, some of which were at 20% capacity.

Body pump classes being busier means the movement of weights as people cool down can be dangerous. J Parker to inform instructors of this concern.

Paul K provided update from EDSAD. Liability insurance had tripled. A more financially viable option has been identified.

Question from Paul K to Cllrs – who is enforcing 24/7 disabled parking bays?

Paul K mentioned that it would be good to invite additional clubs to participate in the meeting.

T Kimber – Was not aware of these meetings personally. Swan Netball has 240 netball players, half of whom train at PLE. Had a difficult time with covid but now at capacity.

Paul K stated that written reports in advance of the meeting would be welcomed.

The next meeting is due to be held on Tuesday 28 February 2023 at 7pm.

R Wood passed on information that Janine Pickering, Executive Head Health & Wellbeing is leaving Eastleigh Borough Council after 14 years.

Cllr Broadhurst has fond memories of Janine and has been a big asset to the Council who will be missed.