Agenda item

Members received the minutes from the Economic and Community Regeneration Scrutiny Committee held on the 4^th December,

Members asked for an update in relation to the budget proposals around the libraries. The Committee was informed that the consultation meetings had progressed well and were ongoing with Coedffranc Community Council. There will be a £25,000 reduction in the budget savings target allocated to Libraries which has been met from the part time leasing of the Mobile Library to Cardiff City Council and the use by Neath Port Talbot Credit Union who will share the use and cost of the Mobile Library.

Members were informed that Cefn Coed Colliery Museum will remain open and that proactive consultation will continue with the Friends group on the ongoing viability of the Museum. The Committee asked if the museum would still be required to deliver budget savings and Officers confirmed that they Museum is being given breathing space and the Marketing Officer post is remaining with seasonal vacancies being considered. The Committee reiterated that the building condition was a main issue and welcomed a full report on the museum as well as a Business Plan to a future meeting of the Committee. Members discussed the involvement of CADW (the Welsh Government’s historic environment service) and agreed that representatives from CADW be invited to a future meeting of the Committee to provide an overview of their policies and their involvement at key sites throughout the Neath Port Talbot County Borough.  

In relation to Community Centres, Members were informed that public meetings have continued with three external parties coming forward who are interested in the transferred ownership of Taibach and two for Cwmafan. Meetings with external parties and all involved will continue.

Members asked for further information in relation to Theatres and were notified that a vacant post in the Princess Royal Theatre will be deleted and savings will be achieved by streamlining costs and maximising income.

Members were pleased to note that savings associated with Celtic Community Leisure would be achieved through efficiency savings resulting in no closures of facilities.

Members asked for clarity in relation to the situation at Cymmer Swimming Pool. They were informed that the pool is currently closed but being maintained with a view to being re-commissioned whilst feasibility investigations are being undertaken by a third party. Officers stated that there is insurance on the pool until 12^th February 2016 so a clear position on the pool’s viability will need to be obtained by this date and if no feasible way forward is identified the draining and de-commissioning process will commence.

Following discussion, the Committee noted the minutes.