Easington  See also Cutbacks page

Time for centres to clean-up  Peterlee Star 15.2.07  Reproduced in Full

LEISURE centre bosses have had a second warning over cleanliness standards. Scrutiny chiefs at Easington District Council issued an official notice to Leisure Connections, following an inspection at Peterlee Leisure Centre. It came after a warning previously sent to the firm, which runs the district’s leisure com­plexes, about cleanliness at Seaham.

The council said the problems were put right in the allocated time on both occasions and there was no need for a further default notice - which at its most serious could result in termination of a contract. Paul Irwin, the council’s senior cultural development officer, said in a report: “Discussions have been held with the company to ensure standards are maintained.”

Coun William Peardon, who represents Deneside, took part in the last inspection at Seaham Leisure Centre. He told a service delivery committee meeting: “Half of the machines were out of order, the carpets were poor, the ashtrays were full, and the kitchens were deplorable.”

Leisure Connections said it has introduced new cleaning procedures and inspection checks. Manager Malcolm Grinstead said the two centres cater for 1,200 people at day. Use had recently increased sharply due to free swimming sessions offered to children. He told councillors: “Cleaning is something that we always struggle with.” He also accepted he had to work to financial constraints. (The suggestion here is that the cleaning problems are linked to more heavy traffic but presumably the children who came for free swimming were not traipsing through the deplorable kitchens or filling the ashtrays. Cleaning is only a struggle if you don't have enough resources and LC should have ample experience of managing leisure centres to know how to do better. It is the will and the budget that is lacking. PB)

Figures revealed that 46 written complaints were sent about Peterlee centre in the last nine months, and another 21 about Seaham. The most common gripes were about quality of equipment, availability of activities, cleanliness of changing rooms and friendliness of staff. Mr Grinstead said the firm was considering plans to re­place faulty and ageing equipment, and was undertaking improvements at both centres, including new showers and lockers, and regrouting of the swimming pool at Peterlee. (Very kind of you to consider spending some the money you get from the council for providing a service but thinking about it is not the same as doing it. What really counts is saying it will be done by such a date and ensuring the job is well done and not skimped, like some of the work at my local centre, where showers have taken several years to be fixed after a duff system was installed by LC's contractor. I know few people who start a job to be unfriendly. I think the attitude of staff has much to do with how they are treated and the level of complaints they have to put up with when things don't work the way they should. PB)

From MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE SERVICE DELIVERY SCRUTINY COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY 29th JANUARY 2007 http://www.easington.gov.uk/images/minutes%20last_tcm4-11096.pdf 

(i) Leisure Centre Partnership Arrangements

Consideration was given to the report of the Senior Cultural Development Officer which provided Members with a position statement on the operations of the Leisure Centres under the partnership arrangements with Leisure Connection Limited, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member.

The Senior Cultural Development Officer explained that following an inspection undertaken during October 2006, an official notice was issued to Leisure Connection in relation to cleaning standards at Peterlee Leisure Centre. The areas of concern were rectified within the agreed timescales and the performance of the Company in this area would be continued to be monitored. This was the second official notice issued to the Company and discussions had been held with them to ensure standards were maintained to the highest possible level and service was provided to the residents of the District...

M. Grinstead, Manager of Peterlee and Seaham Leisure Centres... explained that there had been a number of complaints regarding the equipment in the gym at Seaham. An application had been submitted to Leisure Connection to have all of the equipment replaced. New equipment was installed in Peterlee in 2003 and the equipment from Peterlee had been transferred to Seaham.

The Senior Cultural Development Officer explained that the District Council had made representations to Leisure Connections, particularly around the gymnastics equipment at Peterlee and gym equipment at Seaham Leisure Centre.

A Member explained that when the Committee visited Seaham Leisure Centre he was shocked to see how far run down the Leisure Centre had become. As a Local Member he was very concerned and hoped that the new equipment would be installed and the Leisure Centre would improve.

M. Grinstead explained that Seaham Leisure Centre was a small community based sports centre. During the recent service review, staff had become demotivated which had a knock on effect on customers... Are we blaming the customers and council for complaining here?  Were not the staff already demoralsied by the way LC manage them and the centre? PB

A Member queried if there were financial constraints at the Leisure Centres. M. Grinstead explained that there were financial constraints and he had tight budgets to work towards. When repairs were required, he tried to act as quickly as possible...

THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE SERVICE DELIVERY SCRUTINY COMMITTEE HELD ON MONDAY 11 DECEMBER 2006 http://www.easington.gov.uk/images/minutes%20last_tcm4-10830.pdf 

NOTES OF THE SITE VISIT TO PETERLEE LEISURE CENTRE

Consideration was given to the notes of the visit to Peterlee Leisure Centre on 10 November 2006 and the response from Leisure Connections, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member...

The Director of Community Services explained that the visit to both Peterlee and Seaham Leisure Centres had brought out a number of issues. With regard to the use of lane ropes during public swimming sessions, assurances had been given from Leisure Connections that there would be no roping off of the pool. The handyman service would also be retained. Leisure Connections had also given the Council a clear undertaking in relation to the standards of cleanliness.

The Chair commented that it was Members’ role to make sure that the public received the service they required.

A Member referred to Seaham Leisure Centre and commented that second hand equipment had been installed and it was hoped that a budget would be provided for new equipment at the Leisure Centre.

A Member commented that the hairdryers were often not working in Peterlee Leisure Centre and queried if there was a system in place to ensure that the equipment was in correct working order and replaced quickly. The Senior Cultural Development Officer explained that one of the issues at management level was to have systems in place to check equipment and replace equipment as and when necessary in a timely manner...

The Executive Member for Improvement explained that he was a paying customer at Seaham Leisure Centre and had been a member of the leisure centre for a year but had never been asked what he thought of the service...

A Member commented that on the visit to Peterlee Leisure Centre she had spoken to two ladies in the changing rooms who had commented that the leisure centres had improved a lot over the years.

The Director of Community Services explained that during the summer there had been an extra 6,500 attendances due to the free swims and the introduction of the leisure cards was now at around 3,000 participants.

Discussion ensued regarding the number of staff in Seaham Leisure Centre. The Senior Cultural Development Officer explained that Leisure Connections were currently restructuring their staff and the District Council and Trade Unions had made representations regarding this and he would be monitoring service delivery...

Councillors Visit Peterlee Leisure Centre - from Notes of  Site Visit by seven Councillors, two Officers and three LC Staff  on 10.11.06  http://www.easington.gov.uk/images/item%205_tcm4-10590.pdf

 Monitoring of the Leisure Facilities contracted out to Leisure Connection. The Chair advised Members that the purpose of the visit was to assess the quality of the services provided at the Peterlee and Seaham Leisure Centres. Reference was made to the last report given by the Senior Cultural Development Officer to the Service Delivery Scrutiny Committee on Leisure Centre Partnership arrangements. In receiving the report, the Committee had agreed that both Leisure Centres be visited. The Seaham Centre had been visited the previous week...

Members first visited the Leisure Pool area. They noted that there were some 20-30 customers in the main pool with a dozen or so in the Learner Pool. Concern was expressed at the level of cleanliness in respect of the tiled area surrounding the main pool. This would be subject to plans for Capital Improvement Works.

The Director of Community Services reported that following an inspection undertaken during September 2006, the Council had issued its first official notice to Leisure Connections in respect of non-compliance of records relating to the cleaning duties at Seaham Leisure Centre. He indicated that it was important that contract arrangements contained mechanisms by which the Council could ensure that Leisure Connections met the core standards in terms of service delivery that the Council expected...

Members noted that the facilities within the Peterlee gymnasium were considerably improved to those viewed at Seaham the previous week where a number of pieces of equipment were "out of order". Reference was made to complaints that had been made at Seaham Leisure Centre to the effect that the gymnasium at Seaham contained older equipment that had been transferred from Peterlee. It appeared to patrons at Seaham that all investment and new machinery had been made at Peterlee.

Members noted that the gymnasium at Peterlee did not appear to be as neglected as Seaham and that the standards of cleanliness was greatly improved also.

In viewing the main sports hall, Members were concerned at a large wet area on the floor. Leisure Connections assured Members that this was due to the main hall having been cleaned that morning. Appropriate warning signage was in place and Members were advised that the centres were subject to quarterly health and safety visits.

Members proceeded to the viewing gallery above the main hall. Concerns were raised regarding the appearance of this area particularly regarding the evidence of discarded chewing gum trodden into the carpeted area.

The Chair of the Committee expressed his concern that the Members appeared to be getting a "whistle stop" tour of the facility and indicated that he had hoped that the inspection would be more thorough and programmed. Mr. Lee Sherratt indicated that Members would continue their inspection of the changing facilities - an area of concern for a number of leisure centre patrons...

Discussion took place regarding the level of capital investment that had been, or was planned to be made in Seaham Leisure Centre. The Senior Cultural Development Officer stated that the capital investment at Seaham had largely centred upon Disability Discrimination Act compliance works together with roofing works, re-sealing and repainting the sports hall floor and replacement of all fire exit doors and security shutters including installation of new security alarms. Members were advised that of the £150,000 set aside for the Leisure Centres, the main centre for investment would be the Peterlee facility, due to the proposed replacement of the pool tiling, however works were programmed at Seaham including the replacement and upgrading of the male showers.

Members reiterated their earlier concerns regarding the cleanliness of the Leisure Centres stating that this as by far the greatest source of customer complaints...

The Director of Community Services reported that the Council had for some time, had concerns regarding Leisure Connections' restructure proposals particularly around standards of cleaning at the both centres. Given the concerns already expressed by Members in this respect, Mr. Wilkinson agreed to visit Seaham Leisure Centre with the Director of Community Services later that day.

Mr. Wilkinson (LC) stressed that more procedures had been put into place managerially, which required walkabouts to be undertaken regularly each day to ensure the cleanliness of facilities. Whilst referencing the age of the two leisure facilities, Mr. Wilkinson indicated that this in no way excused the lack of cleanliness in them...

The Director of Community Services indicated that other issues which needed to be addressed with Leisure Connections included:-

He suggested that it would be useful if the above issues, together with the matters identified by members on their recent visits, could be covered in a formal response by Leisure Connections which could accompany the Scrutiny report...

From Report to Service Delivery Scrutiny Committee 9.10.06 by Senior Cultural Development Officer http://www.easington.gov.uk/images/4ii%20report_tcm4-10038.pdf 

Subject: Leisure Centre Partnership Arrangements

4.2 As part of the contractual arrangements with Leisure Connection there is in place an agreed monitoring process that allows the council to issue an “official notice” in respect of the company not following agreed quality management procedures or related clauses in the contract. The official notices if not acted upon and rectified within an agreed timescale can lead to the serving of a “default notice” by the council to Leisure Connection in relation to non-performance.

4.3 For members information, following an inspection undertaken during September 2006 the council has issued its first “official notice” to Leisure Connection in respect of non-completion of records relating to the cleaning duties undertaken at Seaham Leisure centre. I am pleased to advise that the management at the centre have now rectified the non-compliance and have informed the council that all staff are aware of the quality management systems in place and the correct procedures to be followed.  Given the site visit's findings in November (above) this reassurance seems to have been somewhat optimistic.  PB

4.4 Members will recall from the verbal update given to the committee on the 31st July 2006 that the council and Leisure Connection are currently in discussion regarding the companies proposed staffing/efficiency review. A number of meetings with senior management of the company have taken place and discussions are currently on going to seek assurances that service standards will not be reduced at the centers. 

Thrown out of gym for being too young 25.11.06 Peterlee Today  http://www.peterleetoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=1715&ArticleID=1873363   Reproduced in full

TWO teenage girls have been kicked out of a gym - because they are too young. Jessica Errington and friend Laura Wright, both 15, were invited to join the fitness club at Peterlee Leisure Centre four months ago. But after enjoying countless aerobics classes, swimming and sauna sessions the pair have been told their full membership is being revoked because they are not 16.

While the Shotton Hall School pupils and their parents say they told the centre their age when they joined, Leisure Connections, which runs the facility for District of Easington council, said its staff member "miscalculated" how old they are. It has offered them a full refund and the chance to use facilities on a pay-as-you-go basis, but they cannot go in the sauna and its steam room for "insurance purposes".

Jessica's mother, Joanna, is furious the centre has restricted her daughter's use of the gym. The 40-year-old said: "She's been put back on the streets in her GCSE year and there's nothing else for them to do. I want her to do something constructive and when they are at the leisure centre every night it's an improvement to their lifestyle. This is something the Government is promoting, something kids should be doing. She loves going to the gym and the fitness classes. Now this opportunity has been taken away from her."

Leisure centre manager Lee Sherratt said: "The miscalculation of the girls' age was made by a member of staff who contacted the families at her earliest opportunity once realising that a mistake had occurred and offered two solutions." He added that the centre runs four sessions a week specifically for 11 to 16-year-olds – the only ones of their type offered in the district. He also said staff at the centre realised there was a lack of activities for young people in the area and had started up circuit classes especially for them, but that some had been cancelled due to insufficient interest.

A leisure saver card had also been launched during the summer months giving children access to the centre. Mr Sherratt added: "Junior participation forms an integral section of the community that both Easington council and Leisure Connection are keen to encourage increased participation from."

Football youngsters get booted into touch  from Sunderland Today 28.2.04 

A FOOTBALL team is showing leisure bosses the red card after being left homeless. Seaham Magic Under-Nines Club has been given the boot from its training sessions at the town's leisure centre to make way for a fortnightly teen disco.

Leisure staff claim they are trying hard to accommodate the team in other time slots, but the move has left club members crying foul. Team secretary Malcolm Langley said: "We booked our Friday-night sessions months ago, and paid for them in advance, but now we are homeless. We are very upset at what has happened, and we don't believe we are being treated fairly. We intend seeking legal advice over this."

Seaham Magic managers picked the 6pm to 7pm Friday slot for training sessions because it wasn't a school night and allowed youngsters to get home at a reasonable time. The club paid several hundred pounds in advance for the weekly sessions, but has now been told it can only use the hall every fortnight because of the disco. Mr Langley said: "Having fortnightly training is no good at all for our children. Their enjoyment and development has taken a big step backwards because of this."

The club has now switched training venues to a sports hall in Sunderland, to ensure the children can continue their weekly sessions. Mr Langley said: "Training in Sunderland is obviously not ideal, as our kids have to travel several miles to get there, but there was no other choice. "The leisure centre did offer us alternative time slots, but they were either too late, at times when we are at work, or on a school night. They even offered us the outdoor court 'for free', which is quite ridiculous considering how young the children are and the weather we are having."

Peter McGee, business manager at Seaham Leisure Centre, said: "Our primary objective is to deliver a service that benefits local people. With limited space and facilities, it is unfortunate that occasionally we have to make difficult choices about how our resources can be put to best use."

The centre, which is run by Leisure Connection, agreed to host the disco after months of discussions with Seaham Police and District of Easington Council. Mr McGee said: "The only night that this event can be hosted is on a Friday, due the fact that there is no school the next day. Saturday night was considered, but many children are involved in family activities over the weekend. We would like to apologise to the Seaham Magic Football Club for the fact that their booking was overlooked when we agreed to host the teenage disco. It is our intention to continue to talk with the club so that a solution can be found which is acceptable to both parties."

Swimming club discontent as new bosses change rules  

From the Northern Echo, 24.5.03    Reproduced in full

A SWIMMING club claims that new rules imposed by leisure centre bosses could ruin hundreds of children's hopes of competing in the sport. Last month, national sports and leisure firm Leisure Connection took over the management of Peterlee Leisure Centre from Easington District Council. The company, which also runs Seaham Leisure Centre, operates its own Amateur Swimming Association accredited swimming club, SwimSchool.

Since 1975, Peterlee Amateur Swimming Club, based at the leisure centre, has offered coaching for competitive swimmers, as well as classes for younger children. It generates thousands of pounds in revenue for the centre, and has a membership of 200. Over the years, several of its members have gone on to compete in national events, including butterfly gold medallist Richard Savage.

Now the club claims it could be forced out of business under restrictions being imposed by Leisure Connection. Secretary Joanne Errington said: "Myself and the club chairman met Leisure Connection last Friday and they said we could not continue with the small pool lessons because they did not want anyone else offering them. They are the bread and butter of the club, and the feeder for the swimming classes. They also gave us some suggested new times. We are in Peterlee but we also cover the surrounding villages, and some of the children would not get home until 9.45pm. This will put an end to competitive swimming in the whole of Easington district."

From September 1, Leisure Connection proposes moving the club's 5.30pm to 7.30pm classes to 7pm to 9pm on two week nights, and cutting pool time from eight to six hours. Ms Errington said: "Our top swimmers train for about 11 hours a week and Leisure Connection is not offering anything for competitive swimmers. Easington District Council always had swimming lessons and we worked together for the children of the area. Leisure Connection said they would work with us but we feel a bit betrayed."

A spokeswoman for Leisure Connection said: "I can understand that the club feels pushed out, but nothing has been set. We want to work very much in partnership with the swimming club - we do not want to come in and take over."