AGENDA ITEM NO. 10
1.
REPORT TO:
Executive Board
REPORT NO:
CEO / 15 / 04
DATE:
2 November 2004
REPORTING OFFICER:
Mr Jim Humphreys – (ext. 7570)
LEAD OFFICER:
Mr Merfyn Lloyd Jones, CEO – (ext. 7511)
SUBJECT:
Provision for Children, Young People and Families
WARD:
Acton, Little Acton, Maesydre, Rhosnesni, Borras Park
PURPOSE OF THE REPORT
To advise Members of progress to date regarding the development of a children, young people
and family centre for the Acton Community Council area, and to seek approval to proceed to
the next stage of consultation.
2.
INFORMATION
2.1.
Policy Framework
The proposals are in line with the Council’s desire to improve facilities for children,
young people and their families.
2.2.
Budgets
Sale of the Amenities Site in Acton released funds, some of which were identified
for the development of a Youth and Family centre in the Acton area if a suitable site
was available.
2.3.
Consultation
1.
Six thousand invitations were sent out to the households in Acton to a public
consultation Event at St John’s Church on the 7th July.
2.
Two hundred residents attended and were involved in discussion with Officers
and Members Present.
3.
One hundred and thirteen questionnaire forms were completed. Of those
completed:

31 opposed any youth provision in the Acton area.

4.
2
82 stated that they supported a need for a young peoples and families
provision.

Of the 82 who supported the project 25 thought that the changing room
area was most appropriate.

40 felt that the Rhosnesni Lane site opposite Home Aids was the best
location.
Acton Community Council had also identified this need and were keen to be
active partners in any possible development. Through the sale of the Civic
Amenity Centre, funds have been identified to build a children, young people
and families centre. A number of sites have been reviewed and the two most
promising were identified. A public consultation on these two sites has been
undertaken and a preferred site has been identified. There has been some
public opposition to the siting of this facility on any site in Acton.
4.
During 2002, a survey of two hundred and sixty young people from the Acton Community
Council area was undertaken. This identified a lack of centre-based provision for young
people in the area and highlighted a range of activities that young people would like to engage
in.
5.
An Officer / Member working group met to consider a way forward. Of the options
considered at the community consultation, the Rhosnesni Lane site was the preferred
location. There is some opposition to this project. Some of this opposition is based on
understandable concerns, other concerns arise from the fact that there has been significant
misinformation circulating in the community regarding the nature of the facility and its
functions. The Leader and appropriate Officers have agreed to meet with the embryonic
Residents Association to address their concerns. The five local members involved endorsed
the recommendations at the Member / Officer Working Group on the 20th October.
6.
SCRUTINY COMMITTEE COMMENTS
Scrutiny has not considered this proposal for Acton but has endorsed the Youth Service
proposal for the development of Centre based provision, subject to funding
availability, in areas of need.
7.
IMPLICATIONS
Further implications re staffing needs will form the basis of a future report. The proposed
Centre will be open to all children, young people and families within the Acton Community
Council Area and support workers and agencies will ensure that all sections of the community
are encouraged to access the proposed provision. The proposed site is within the ownership of
the authority and funding has been secured. Remaining risks relate to containment of
building costs and potential community objections.
8.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1.
Proceed to the next stage with Rhosnesni Lane site as the most appropriate (opposite
Home Aids store).
2.
3.
9.
3
Consult further with those residents most closely impacted on by the development,
particularly on the issue of community safety and perceptions of anti-social behaviour
as a result of this development
Commission architects to work up draft design and costings taking into account
concerns and ideas from the consultation.
REASONS FOR RECOMMENDATIONS
Overwhelming need demonstrated by young people in the area.
10.
BACKGROUND PAPERS
11.
WEB-SITE INFORMATION