Published on:
03
May 2012
Clackmannanshire Council and our partners are undertaking the biggest ever local consultation on participation in sport and leisure.
The feedback from the consultation will help shape sport and leisure for the future as we aim to find out what people in Clackmannanshire do with their leisure time.
People from all over the county will be asked to take part in a full consultation programme which will run until the end of June. A leisure strategy working group will then consider the results in September, with a final strategy approved in October/November by council.
Clackmannanshire Council's Head of Facilities Management, Stephen Crawford said: "The questions are geared to finding out how the community in general spend a normal week of their life.
"In recent years there has been a significant change in leisure provision in Clackmannanshire and development in a number of key areas. The objective will be to develop a more healthy lifestyle.
"It is about residents leading active, healthy lives and maximising opportunity. Leisure and sport can be fundamental parts of community wellbeing and can contribute significantly to health, including tackling obesity."
Through the consultation, people throughout Clackmannanshire will be asked over the next two months - what type of activities they participate in regularly, and how often? They will also be asked what they would like to do more of, what are current barriers to participation and what would help them participate in more activities?
The consultation programme will include an on-line survey on Clacksweb, discussions with sports clubs and associations, school pupils, leisure users and community councils to endeavour to get a full picture of the leisure demand and issues in Clackmannanshire. There will also be a pull-out survey in the next View newsletter.
Mr Crawford added: "The information will help us shape the future of sport and leisure in Clackmannanshire."
A BIG Club night in support of the Clackmannanshire Sports Council AGM is being held at Alloa Academy on Tuesday 15th May from 6 - 9 p.m. where there will be an opportunity for anyone to comment on the Sports and Leisure consultation.
Among the key objectives are to build on the Scottish Government recommendations of providing two hours quality PE to every pupil every week, something which Clackmannanshire schools already meets. The strategy is also aimed at strengthening links between the council and the community, as well as developing more volunteers, coaches and officials by the delivery of an annual programme of quality accredited coaching courses.
Mr Crawford went on: "We also want to promote the benefits of low and no cost alternative leisure pursuits, such as walking, running, cycling and the use of the natural environment as well as maximise the availability and use of facilities at all times of the day and year."
Another main objective, which will be key in the new strategy, will be the establishment of partnerships with agencies such as SportScotland, Active Schools initiative and clubgolf, amongst others.
Mr Crawford concluded: "We must build on the current strengths, identify weaknesses and aspire beyond our current achievements."