Cllr Douglas raises issue of upgrading changing room facilities
At a recent full Council meeting, Paddox Liberal Democrats Councillor Tim Douglas raised the issue of upgrading changing room facilities at playing fields in Rugby.
Some of these facilities are suffering from vandalism and are in a very poor state, such as at GEC field, Whinfield Rec and Featherbed Lane. Local Liberal Democrats want to see Rugby Borough Council upgrade these facilities and ensure a policy is in place so they are suitable for as many people as possible.
Councillor Douglas asked:
"Does Rugby Borough Council have a strategic policy and plan in place with regards to upgrading changing room facilities at playing fields in Rugby to allow for greater community use?"
The Portfolio Holder responsible for Growth and Investment responded:
"The Borough Council operates 4 changing rooms in Rugby at Alwyn Road, Ashlawn, GEC and Whinfield Recreation Grounds. The old changing facility at Hillmorton Recreation Ground is unsafe and closed. The Council has strategies relating to Open Space, Playing Pitches and Sports Facilities.
"Whilst there is no specific policy on the upgrading of changing facilities for community use, site by site issues are assessed within the current Playing Pitch Strategy which has recently been updated. As the Council has a limited capital budget for investment in parks and open spaces, officers seek a range of funding opportunities including developer contributions to upgrade facilities where opportunities arise."
Councillor Douglas then asked whether there should be a policy for this.
The Portfolio Holder replied by saying she did not consider it was necessary to have a policy for such a small number of changing rooms but she was happy to discuss the matter with any interested parties.
Minutes of the Council meeting held on 18 July 2017 can be read here: