Last chance for a say on Leisure and Culture Strategy

Hounslow Council is calling on residents to have their say on plans for leisure and culture services in the borough. The budget for this area is set to be reduced by over £2 million over the next four years.

The Council's draft strategy that sets out four objectives: to modernise the borough’s library service; to enhance local parks and open spaces; to support residents to be more active; and to celebrate Hounslow’s cultural make-up and rich heritage. 

It sets a target for Hounslow residents to become the most active in London by 2022 – when at present they lag behind the London and England average for people participating in exercise for at least 30 minutes a week.

The strategy proposes a shift towards online and digital services. And, for libraries, it also refers to the need to reach out to more residents since, while the Chiswick, Feltham and Hounslow branches remain busy, overall use of libraries has dropped by 20 per cent in the past five years.

The draft also explores the possibility of making better use of the borough’s 1,365 hectares of green space, with the cash being ploughed back into improved facilities.

Councillor Ed Mayne, Hounslow Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Leisure, explains: “Over the next four years the council must make at least £70million in savings and the leisure services budget is expected to be reduced by at least £2.3m. Our draft strategy aims to make sure we maintain the highest possible standards in our leisure services while adapting to the budget cuts and changes in the services residents want.  So, residents’ views are essential if we are to rise to this daunting challenge successfully.”

The draft Leisure and Culture Strategy was published on Monday 5 October and consultation closes on Friday 27November 2015. Residents can view the draft strategy and comment on the council’s website at www.hounslow.gov.uk/leisureconsultation.

A poster and postcard campaign launched on 5th October 2015 invites residents to comment on the objectives and the steps suggested to achieve them.

November 24, 2015