Agenda item

The Panel received a presentation to accompany the report, outlining the “Get Doncaster Moving” Strategy Framework and approach to increase levels of physical activity and sport through the strategies broad themes:

·         Walking;

·         Cycling;

·         Parks and open spaces;

·         Sport;  and

·         Dance.

Members noted that the work had been recognised by Sport England for the Local Authority’s compelling vision for change.  This has enabled to the Council to access significant support and funding, including capital funding for the Doncaster Cycle Circuit.

The Chair thanked officers for their presentation and discussed the following areas:

Scawthorpe Health Walk – A Councillor thanked the Get Doncaster Moving team who had helped her progress the health walk in her ward, but unfortunately during the Covid-19 pandemic has had to cease for the time bein.

Increased exercise during Covid-19 pandemic – it was recognised that during the pandemic a lot more families and individuals were taking exercise, but also recognised that those people who usually worked in hospitality and been furloughed were not undertaking as much exercise.  In response to the comments it was explained that current exercise regimes were mixed and it had seen both a local and national increase and decrease.  It was recognised that parks and walking paths were being used more.  Concern was expressed that exercise in young people had reduced during the lockdown in March and November 2020 therefore it was expected to be a very similar position for the January/February 2021 lockdown period with inequalities widening.

The Chief Executive from Doncaster Cultural and Leisure Trust explained that there was a wealth of initiatives being undertaken including the launch of healthy at home online live classes for both mental and physical well-being which in reality was a general get together for the over 60’s.  They were also working alongside the Localities Team accessing people who were socially isolated to offer support and assistance and a survey of existing members addressing being healthy at home.  Finally he reported that a bid had been made to the National Leisure Recovery fund to assist young people and local clubs with grass roots sports.

Sport England local delivery pilot – it was explained that Doncaster had been chosen due to it’s set pathway and approved 10 year physical activity and sports strategy.  Physical activities across the borough were poor and required a better offer and this has embedded increased activities, which was what the strategy aimed to achieve.  With regard to funding, prior to the Covid – 19 pandemic it was being accessed really well.

It was noted that Doncaster’s success was the vision and power to change the behaviours towards physical activity to increased what matters to people in communities and had opened up a range of support with Sport England.  The partnership provided investment however it was as important to ensure the vision worked with community vision and collaboration.

With regard to the weekly personal activity goal of 150 minutes per week, set by the Government, it was noted that on average in Doncaster approximately 30% do less than 30 minutes and in some of the most deprived areas this figure reached 57%.  Therefore the challenge in these areas was much greater.  It was noted that “Well Doncaster” was working with these communities focusing on their strengths and connectivity to improve the position.  It was noted that approximately 25% of people undertake more than 150 minutes per week.

It was accepted that due to the current pandemic less car journies were being made but more people were using their cars rather than public transport.  It was recognised that the whole approach to travel and connectivity was being addressed.  For example, biking to the station and catching a train.  The active travel agenda was also being addressed across the Sheffield City region.

The distance people travelled to get to Doncaster town centre from outlying villages and towns was addressed and accepted that it was possibly over 5 miles and therefore people would generally prefer to use their car rather than walk or cycle and concern was expressed that this behaviour may not change over the next 10 years.

Other issues addressed included car parking for the town centre, a good transport offer, school road closures and the walking bus or scooter to school initiatives.  It was noted that the road closures worked well with the schools piloted and had received positive comments from residents.  Last year further school road closure/non parking trials, working alongside residents were due to be undertaken to gather evidence, because what suits one school may not suit another, but unfortunately due to the pandemic this could not currently be undertaken.

Leisure facilities – in response to a question, it was explained that, pre Covid, there were 19,000 memberships with 7,000 children on swimming programmes.  Approximately 2 million visits had been made throughout the year, with a small number of people undertaking regular visits.  From a recreation perspective, visits included ice skating and five a side football 

Visits were approximately broken down as follows:

Frequent users = 19,000

Lagoons = 83,000 visits per year;

Unique visits = 100,000;

Lane Swimming =  3 to 5 times per week

Local visits to the Dome = 1 per month locally with 1 in 3 months from a wider area.

Litter picking – it was recognised that different ways of communities being physically active without knowing, was being addressed.  For example, a community litter pick and working in green spaces.

Use of school sports facilities outside school hours – concern was expressed that this could become a commercial enterprise.   It was noted that research in Doncaster had shown that the DCLT had 4 quality sports hall sites with the remainder within school sites.  It was noted that accessibility to school sites was mixed with some open to many sporting activities with costing schedules that enticed people to use the facilities, but others had a more commercialised route.  However work was being undertaken to create a culture within the school community to promote physical activity and provide exercise facilities for the local areas.

RESOLVED that the officers seek to attend Councillor ward meetings to address how communities and local schools could contribute to the Get Doncaster Moving agenda.