The Chair welcomed Councillor Sandra
Thornberry, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Arts, Culture,
Leisure and Wellbeing to the meeting.
The Committee was given a detailed overview of
Councillor Thornberry’s portfolio which included :-.
·
Arts, Culture, Festivals and Events
·
Museums
·
Visitor Information Centres
·
Sport and Leisure
·
Community Health and Wellbeing
·
Equalities & Social Justice
Initiatives including age; disability; race; religion or belief;
sex, gender or gender
identity
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It was reported that an
Arts and Culture Strategy was to be developed this year focusing on
the Council’s priorities and the assets the Council owned in
consultation with local people and organisations.
The Committee was
reminded of the ongoing success of Salt Ayre Leisure Centre which
continued to increase its capacity and offer. It was reported that
the Spa had been nominated for a National award.
Councillor
Thornberry advised Members of the many groups and committees she
was involved with regarding Well Being despite the Council having
little statutory responsibility for this area. It was noted that
the portfolio was very large but difficult to separate with Well
Being linking with other parts of the portfolio.
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A number of questions were raised
relating to Well Being, food clubs, the culture strategy, museums,
joint working with local organisations, the Ashton Hall, twinned
towns and accessibility.
The Committee went on to discuss the Council
owned museums and how these could be improved if invested in. As
the City Council had taken ownership of Museums from Lancashire
County Council just prior to COVID, little development had been
made over the time of the pandemic.
Finally, the Committee discussed the future of
the Ashton Hall within Lancaster Town Hall. It was noted that it
had been used for music concerts pre-COVID and it was hoped this
would begin once again. It was
suggested investment in a goods lift was essential as well as stage
equipment, sound and lighting.
Resolved
:-
That Councillor Thornberry be thanked for her
attendance at the meeting.