Published on:
18
June 2012
Time is running out to take part in 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.
Over the last few weeks, people from all over the county have been asked to take part in a full consultation programme. The consultation closes on Saturday 30th June. A leisure strategy working group will then consider the results in September, with a final strategy approved in October/November by Council.
Education, Sport and Leisure Convener Councillor Ellen Forson 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 are being asked what type of activities they participate in regularly, and how often? They are also 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 includes an online survey on ClacksWeb, discussions with sports clubs and associations, nursery and school pupils, leisure users and community councils to endeavour to get a full picture of the leisure demand and issues in Clackmannanshire. The survey was included in the View newsletter, and staff also handed out the survey at Alloa and Tillicoultry gala days. Youth workers have also been discussing the survey in sessions at MUGAs around the county. The survey was also discussed at the Clackmannanshire Sports Council AGM.
Councillor Forson added: "The information will help us shape the future of sport and leisure in Clackmannanshire. We must build on the current strengths, identify weaknesses and aspire beyond our current achievements."
Council Leader Gary Womersley said: "We gave a commitment that we would seek to engage and consult with as many individuals and organisations as possible - as ultimately this will lead to the best Sport & Leisure Strategy possible. I am keen that as many people get back to the Council with their views. Only last week and the range of sporting activity associated with the Olympic Torch should what a potential strength of talent we have in Clackmannanshire. I'm keen that we can catch this and feed it into not only the intended Strategy but how this Council conducts itself over the next five years."