Councillors Clark, M Devine, Harte, Henry, Holmes, Kelly, M Macmillan, McCartin, Noon, Perrie and M Sharkey.

Councillor Harte, Convener, presided.

J Laurenson, Acting Leisure & Cultural Services Manager (Children's Services); and D Low, Senior Committee Services Officer, D Forbes, Finance Manager and E Currie, Committee Services Officer (all Finance & Resources).

Councillor McCartin (for lateness) and Councillor McGee.

There were no declarations of interest intimated prior to the commencement of the meeting.

There was submitted a joint revenue budget monitoring report by the Directors of Finance & Resources and Children’s Services for the service for the period 1 April, 2014 to 27 February, 2015.

DECIDED:

(a) That the budget position be noted; and

(b) That it be noted that there had been net budget realignments of £4,417 processed since the last report relating to transfers to the corporate landlord and the transfer of library staff from the Education service.

There was submitted a capital budget monitoring report by the Director of Finance & Resources for the service for the period 1 April, 2014 to 27 February, 2015.

DECIDED: That the report be noted.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the consultation exercise that had been carried out as part of the review of the Creative Renfrewshire Strategy.

The report intimated that the consultation exercise on the Creative Renfrewshire Strategy took place in January 2015. A total of 339 people took part in the consultation: 189 attended various consultation events and 150 people completed the online questionnaire. A summary of the outcomes of the consultation exercise was set out in the report and the full consultation document was attached as an appendix to the report.

The points raised in the consultation fell into five main categories: developing and marketing the local economy to contribute to regeneration objectives; improve awareness of the cultural and heritage offer; develop the area as a cultural hub; break down barriers to providing cultural experiences; and support and develop volunteering opportunities. The views expressed at the consultation events and the issues identified would be considered in the development of the Creative Renfrewshire Strategy review. The reviewed strategy would focus on key drivers for growth, focusing on the heritage and cultural assets as the means of delivering the regeneration of both Paisley and Renfrewshire.

The report advised that, following the transfer of cultural services to Renfrewshire Leisure Trust in July 2015, the revised Creative Renfrewshire Strategy including a full strategy document and summary version, would be submitted to the Leadership Policy Board for approval.

DECIDED: That the report be noted.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the opening of the new Johnstone Town Hall on 23 March 2015, following a £14.5m construction project which was completed on time and on budget.

The report detailed the range of facilities available at the new town hall including a library, 300 seat theatre, dance studio, ceremony suite, flexible meeting and conferencing spaces and a full in-house catering service. The building also accommodated several council services including a Customer Service Centre, offices and customer contact rooms for Social Work, Housing and Advice Works staff. In addition Police Scotland had accommodation within the building and MacMillan Cancer Support delivered a drop in service from specifically designed spaces within the library.

DECIDED: That the report be noted.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to the introduction of self service kiosks in libraries.

The report intimated that the introduction of self service kiosks into Paisley Central library and Renfrew library along with the new library in Johnstone Town Hall was a component part of the long term vision for the future of libraries in Renfrewshire. This initiative was designed to improve customer experience and freed up staff to enhance the services offered at these facilities.

DECIDED: That the report be noted.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to an overview of the customer improvements implemented for the recent hosting of the premiere of “Brick Wonders” LEGO exhibition which was hosted at Paisley Museum between October 2014 and February 2015.

The report intimated that the exhibition was the follow-up to the highly successful 2013/14 “Brick City” exhibition. With over 11,500 visitors ‘Brick Wonders’ had had the second highest level of visits to the museum for a single exhibition and demonstrated the positive impact that large scale, commercial exhibitions could have on the museum and the wider community of Paisley. A new ticketing model operated an advance booking system for the exhibition, which allowed customers to book and pay for a one hour timeslot in advance, and therefore control the capacity of visitors in the exhibition on an hourly basis.

DECIDED: That the report be noted.

There was submitted a report by the Chief Executive relative to an Awards for All grant of £10,000 to continue to develop sport and physical activity opportunities for children and young people with a physical disability and/or additional support needs (ASN).

The successful project, the Renfrewshire Disability Sport Legacy and Pathways, would support up to 300 identified pupils with a physical disability by providing opportunities in schools and communities to enable them to be more active and develop a healthier lifestyle. The programme would also provide training for volunteers, coaches, students, senior pupils and teachers to enhance the existing network of qualified staff in the delivery of the programme.

DECIDED:

(a) That the report be noted; and

(b) That the acceptance of the Awards for All funding of £10,000 to further develop sport and physical activity within Renfrewshire for children and young people with a disability be approved.


SEDERUNT

Councillor McCartin entered the meeting during consideration of the preceding item.


Sport, Leisure and Culture Policy Board

The Convener advised that this was the last meeting of this Policy Board and thanked the members for their attendance and input at meetings.