33.
MINUTES
RESOLVED :
THAT the Minutes of the meeting held on 20 October 2003 be confirmed.
34.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations at this time.
35.
CULTURAL STRATEGY
The Select Committee gave consideration to the Consultation draft
of the Cultural Strategy. In addition
to this a Strategy and Policy had been prepared.
The Chairman welcomed Mr J Brownscombe, AONB Officer, Ms M Blamey,
RCC and EYDCP representative, Mr R Craven, RCC and Secretary to the Town and
Parish Council Association and Mr B Wade of the Playing Fields
Association. These had been involved in
making comments on the initial draft.
The Head of Community Development and Tourism identified the key
issues embraced by the Strategy which underpinned the majority of themes within
the Council’s Corporate Plan.
With regard to the Play Strategy it was noted that this had been
produced by Families First through SRB grant.
Members were advised that authorities were recommended to produce a
Cultural Strategy by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. This could be used to access funding for a
range of associated initiatives.
The link with the Island’s social history was discussed. Mr Brownscombe welcomed the emphasis placed
on the physical environment and indicated that the forthcoming AONB Management
Plan would relate to aspects of the Cultural Strategy. Mr Craven referred to the need for the
Council to undertake an audit of Open Spaces so that appropriate Supplementary
Planning Guidance could be established. Mr Wade stressed the importance to
ensure the long term retention of play areas and that it was not always
necessary to provide expensive play equipment.
The Select Committee discussed the principles contained in the
Cultural Strategy and in particular the Play Strategy. Some concern was expressed as the need to
define play. Getting people of all ages
participating in the wide range of activities available on the Island would be
one of the biggest challenges.
Members were advised that the Cultural Strategy would be made
available for wider consultation and the results of this could be reported back
to the Select Committee.
RESOLVED :
(a)
THAT the
principles contained in the draft Cultural Strategy be endorsed and this be
reported back to the Select Committee in the Spring of 2004 after the wider
public consultation exercise had been completed.
(b)
THAT the
Consultation draft Play Policy for the Island in the context of the Cultural
Strategy be supported.
36.
DUAL USE
OF SCHOOL FACILITIES
The Head of Select Committee and Best Value Support reminded the
Committee that, at its Development Day in March 2003, it had agreed to review
arrangements on the dual use of school facilities. This took into account the discussions held at the Select
Committee meeting held on 1 November 2002.
The Strategic Director of Education and Community Development was
to draft a protocol on this issue. Due
to initiatives contained within the Green Paper ‘Every Child Matters’, in
relation to extended schools, the Strategic Director believed it would be
inappropriate to amend any existing arrangements at this stage.
There was however a link between the previous item on the Cultural
Strategy and the wider use of school facilities. Members considered that development of such dual use should not
be delayed.
RESOLVED :
THAT efforts continue to be made to develop greater community use
of school facilities.
37.
MEMBERS’ QUESTION TIME
Mr R G Mazillius asked that consideration should be given to
amending the time that the fire alarm was tested from 10.30 am to 9.30 am so
not to disrupt meetings.
Mr P D Joyce asked how many children were excluded from school and
receiving only 5 hours education.
Mr P D Joyce asked if a SEN statement indicated in part 4, that a
pupil had to attend a particular school, whether the parents were responsible
for transportation.
CHAIRMAN