Agenda item

Prior to considering the item and hearing the deputations as agreed at the start of the meeting (Article 1 refers), the Convener circulated the amended wording he proposed to move in place of the recommendations contained in the report.  There followed a brief adjournment to enable Members and the deputations to consider the recommendations. 

With reference to Article 13 of the minute of its meeting of 8 October, 2009, the Committee had before it a report by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport which sought approval for various options for the development of community learning hubs across the city.  It advised that the options outlined in the report were the results of further consultation, research, and consideration of the best use of the Council estate, and took into account opportunities for service co-location, partnership working and shared resources.

The report advised that the Committee had before it a revised proposal for eight community learning hubs, designed to complement the proposals for city-wide rezoning which were also before Committee for discussion (Article 11 refers).  The hubs proposals were based on the proposed Associated School Groups, namely Dyce/Bucksburn;  Bridge of Don/Oldmachar;  St. Machar;  Torry/Kincorth;  Aberdeen Grammar;  Harlaw/Hazlehead;  Cults;  and Northfield.  The underpinning rationale and research information for the proposals was detailed in the report under each option, and consultation information and supporting maps were included as appendices to the report.

The report recommended:-

(a)       to approve the preferred option for the Dyce/Bucksburn Associated School Groups community learning hub as Bucksburn 3Rs campus, comprising Bucksburn Academy, the Beacon Centre and Bucksburn Community Library, as outlined in Section 6.1 of the report;

(b)       to instruct officers to undertake a capital business case in relation to the provision of a new community facility for the Bridge of Don/Oldmachar Associated School Groups to include a library and community learning hub in the light of new developments outlined in Section 6.2 of the report;

(c)        to approve the preferred short-term community learning hub option for the St Machar Associated School Group as Seaton 3Rs School and to approve the actions outlined in Section 6.3 of this report, namely (1) that officers, in liaison with other Directorates and partner agencies, undertake further work and report back on medium to long term community learning hub options;  (2)  that the outcome of research on the future location of Portal Community Centre and Tilly Youth Project be reported to the next meeting of the Committee;  (3) that the Hilton Community Learning and Development Centre officer base be declared surplus to the requirements of the Education, Culture and Sport Directorate once the building had been vacated; (4) that Woodside Library be retained as an archive/store in the short-term, with the medium term option of the building being taken over and run for alternative community use; and (5) that a decision on the future of the Seaton Community Learning and Development Centre on School Road be deferred pending further investigation on funding options which would be included in a report to the next meeting of the Committee;

(d)       to approve Rosemount Community Learning and Development Centre as the community learning hub for the Grammar Associated School Group area in the short to medium term as outlined in Section 6.4 of the report, namely, subject to the approval of a bid to the Non-Housing Capital Programme 2011/12 to meet the costs of adapting the Centre as a community learning hub; and to instruct officers to prepare this bid and submit it to the Finance and Resources Committee;

(e)       to approve Torry Academy as the preferred option for the community learning hub for the Torry/Kincorth Associated School Groups in the short to medium term; and to approve the actions outlined in Section 6.5 of this report, namely (1) that a decision on the future of Torry Community Centre at Abbey Place be deferred to the next Committee cycle to allow an informed decision on the viability of the centre in community ownership; (2) that the Torry Learning House remain open as long as accommodation costs were self-financing; (3) the removal of the option to close Loirston Annexe due to the lack of alternative accommodation for the 48 children using the service;  (4)  the retention of the option for the use of Balnagask Leased Community Centre as a learning satellite; and (5) the submission of a capital bid for the financial year 2011/12 to the Finance and Resources Committee for immediate remedial repair and maintenance costs for Kincorth Community Learning and Development Centre;

(f)         to approve the preferred option for the Harlaw and Hazlehead Associated School Groups community learning hub as Kaimhill 3Rs Primary School, co-locating the school, library and community learning and development centre and to approve the actions outlined in Section 6.6 of this report, namely (1)  that no further consideration be given to the proposal from Inchgarth Community Centre that it manage Kaimhill Community Learning and Development Centre;  (2)  that the approach of combining Kaimhill and Inchgarth Community Centres to form a joint management committee known as Garthdee Community Centre, be further explored and a report submitted to the next meeting of the Committee on the proposal;  (3)  the removal of the option to close Ferryhill Library following further detailed consultation with service users, and the removal of the provision of alternative library services in the Ferryhill area;  and (4) in relation to Ruthrieston Community Learning and Development Centre, that further work be carried out into the viability of either a leased or community ownership model of management detailing the financial implications for professional staffing;

(g)       to approve Cults 3Rs Academy as the short-term community learning hub for the Cults Associated School Group allowing consideration of and consultation on other options as outlined in Section 6.7 of the report, these being, the identification of viable medium to long-term options for a community learning hub for the Cults ASG through consultation with local communities, partners and learning stakeholders, taking into account any options for service co-location, integrated service delivery, and opportunities presented as a result of planning developments; remitting officers to provide a further report;

(h)        to approve the preferred short to medium term option for a community learning hub for the Northfield Associated School Group as Northfield Community Learning and Development Centre and Library as outlined in Section 6.7 of the report; and

(i)         to note the budget savings identified in this report and to approve in principle that any savings over the £100,000 required for the 2010 - 2011 budget settlement are used to undertake necessary capital work and service redesign/improvement and to refer this for consideration to the Finance and Resources Committee.

The Committee firstly heard from Mr. Bruce Wood and Ms. Sheila Jones who represented Kaimhill Community Learning and Development Centre Management Committee.  Mr. Wood thanked the Committee for agreeing to listen to their concerns but noted that his prepared statement related to the original recommendations contained in the report.  He outlined concerns in relation to the alleged conduct of named Elected Members relative to the future of Kaimhill Community Learning and Development Centre, and advised that he was concerned that the decision in relation to the management of the new Community Learning Hub at Kaimhill had already been made.  When later asked to withdraw these comments about Elected Members, Mr. Wood declined to do so.

Members asked Mr. Wood and Ms. Jones several questions relating to their deputation, and both Elected Members referred to by Mr. Wood strenuously denied the allegations made against them. 

            Following the allegations made by the deputation, the Convener, having sought advice from a representative of the Head of Legal and Democratic Services which was then conveyed to the Committee, informed Members that if any member of the public had a concern in relation to the conduct of an Elected Member, they could raise the matter with the Standards Commission, however, this did not prevent discussion of the community learning hubs report later on the agenda.

The Committee then heard from Mr. Stephen Mackland and Mr. Hamish Mackay on behalf of Seaton Community Project.  Mr. Mackay advised that his presentation was also based on the original recommendations outlined in the report, and introduced Mr. Mackland, who spoke of his experience of the drugs rehabilitation centre based at Seaton Community Learning and Development Centre.  Mr. Mackland told the Committee that the Centre made a huge difference to recovering drug addicts, and that it was vital to retain it in its current format and location.  He advised that people who required assistance needed to be able to “drop in” to the Centre, and that the nature of addiction meant it was impossible for the scheme to work if it was to be appointment based.  He advised that if the scheme was to be located in a school, he believed it would discourage addicts from attending, and stated that he did not believe that children should be exposed to addiction.  Mr. Mackay then read a statement from Mr. John Yallop who had been unable to remain at the meeting.  Mr. Yallop stated that the scheme had made a huge difference to his family life and had been of great benefit to him.  Mr. Mackay and Mr. Mackland advised the Committee that there was no suitable alternative accommodation for the project, which had the backing of Grampian Police, the church and NHS Grampian. 

Members asked several questions of the deputation, and the Convener thanked Mr. Mackay and Mr. Mackland for their presentation. 

The Committee then heard from Mr. Lewis Bainbridge and Mr. Gregor McAbery who represented Ruthrieston Community Centre Management Committee.  Mr. McAbery advised the Committee that they were extremely content with the proposed new recommendations and thanked the Committee. 

The Committee then heard from Mr. Paul O’Connor who spoke on behalf of Inchgarth Community Centre.  Mr. O’Connor described the wide-ranging programme provided by Inchgarth and outlined the benefits which he felt would arise from Inchgarth taking on the management of the new Kaimhill Community Learning Hub.  He believed there was a gap in the Community Learning provision in certain parts of the city, such as Mannofield and Broomhill, and that if Inchgarth was to manage the new hub, he would look to meet the demand for provision in these areas.  Mr. O’Connor explained what he felt would be the financial benefits to the Council of allowing Inchgarth to manage the new hub.  He also strenuously denied the allegations made earlier in the meeting by the Kaimhill deputation. 

Members asked several questions of Mr. O’Connor in relation to the programme provided at Inchgarth and any costs which could potentially be incurred by the Council if Inchgarth managed the new facility.  The Convener then thanked Mr. O’Connor for his comments. 

The Committee heard from Mr. Ian Fryer of Portal Community Centre who provided Members with some background information as to the history of the Centre.  He advised that although the report suggested that community learning and development service provision could continue for two to three years, he felt that the Centre could remain in place for a longer period.  He requested that Tilly Youth Project did not merge with Portal as suggested in the report as he felt that the Centre could not accommodate the project.  Mr. Fryer advised that Tillydrone was an area of deprivation and that there was concern in the community about the potential loss of resources for the area.  He then outlined the numerous achievements by users of Portal Community Centre. 

Members asked several questions of Mr. Fryer and the Convener thanked him for his presentation.

The Committee then heard from Ms Jennifer Butler and Ms Ruth Payne who represented Ashley and Broomhill Community Council.  Ms Butler thanked the Committee for the recommendation in the report that Ferryhill Library remain open and advised that it was an excellent library with a good range of learning facilities.  She noted that it was used by all ages and by at least 200 people each day.  Ms Butler suggested that if the library was closed, there was no alternative facility available which was as successful and accessible to all.  Ms Payne advised that Ferryhill Library was also relied upon by residents of Queens Cross and Ashley Road. 

The Convener thanked Ms Butler and Ms Payne for their informative presentation. 

Finally, the Committee heard from Mr. David Henderson who spoke in support of retaining Woodside Library.  Mr. Henderson stated that he was pleased to note that the proposed new recommendations were advocating the retention of Woodside Library and outlined the role he felt the library played in the lives of the community.  He advised that the older residents in the Hilton area would find it difficult to walk to any other facility if the library was closed, and stressed the support for a library service to be retained in Woodside.

The Convener thanked Mr. Henderson for his contribution.

The Convener, seconded by the Vice-Convener, moved an amended set of recommendations, namely:- 

1.                  To approve the preferred option for the Dyce / Bucksburn Associated School Groups community learning hub as Bucksburn 3Rs Campus, comprising Bucksburn Academy, the Beacon Centre and Bucksburn Community Library, as outlined in Section 6.1 of the report;

2.                  To instruct officers to undertake a capital business case in relation to the provision of a new community facility for the Bridge of Don / Oldmachar Associated School Groups to include a library and community learning hub in the light of new developments outlined in Section 6.2 of the report;

3.                  To approve the preferred short-term community learning hub option for the St Machar Associated School Group as Seaton 3Rs School and to approve the actions outlined in Section 6.3 of the report and set out above, except as they relate to Woodside Library, and agree to retain Woodside Library as an operational library in the short-term;

4.                  To approve Rosemount Community Learning and Development Centre as the community learning hub for the Grammar Associated School Group area in the short to medium term as outlined in Section 6.4 of the report, subject to the approval of a bid to the Non Housing Capital Programme 2011/12 to meet the costs of adapting the Centre as a community learning hub; and to instruct officers to prepare this bid and submit it to the Finance and Resources Committee;

5.                  To approve Torry Academy as the preferred option for the community learning hub for the Torry / Kincorth Associated School Groups in the short to medium term and to approve the actions outlined in Section 6.5 of the report and set out above, except as they relate to Abbey Place Community Centre, including the submission of a capital bid for the financial year 2011/12 to the Finance and Resources Committee for immediate remedial repair and maintenance costs for Kincorth Community Learning and Development Centre and agree to establish Abbey Place Community Centre as a voluntary leased community centre with officers instructed to report back to the next meeting on the early implementation of this;

6.                  To approve the preferred option for the Harlaw and Hazlehead Associated School Groups community learning hub as Kaimhill 3Rs Primary School, co-locating the school, library and community learning and development centre and to approve the actions outlined in Section 6.6 of the report and set out above, except as they relate to Kaimhill Community Learning & Development Centre and Ruthrieston Community Learning & Development Centre, and to agree:

(a)       That Inchgarth Community Centre manage the Kaimhill Community Learning & Development Centre building.

(b)       To establish Ruthrieston Community Learning & Development Centre as a voluntary leased community centre with officers instructed to report back to the next meeting on the early implementation of this;

7.                  To approve Cults 3Rs Academy as the short-term community learning hub for the Cults Associated School Group allowing consideration of and consultation on other options as outlined in Section 6.7 of the report and set out above, remitting officers to provide a further report.

8.                  To approve the preferred short to medium term option for a community learning hub for the Northfield Associated School Group as Northfield Community Learning and Development Centre and Library as outlined in Section 6.7 of the report.

As an amendment, Councillor Laing, seconded by Councillor Cooney, moved:-

            To approve the revised recommendations as detailed above but to remove recommendation 6(a) and replace it with the recommendation contained in the report, as follows:-

            “To instruct officers to further explore the possibility of combining Kaimhill and Inchgarth Community Centres to create a Joint Management Committee with a report back to the next meeting of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee on these proposals.”

On a division, there voted:-  for the motion (14) – the Convener;  the Vice-Convener;  Councillors Corall, Cormack, Cormie, Leslie, Reynolds, Jennifer Stewart, Kevin Stewart, Kirsty West, Wisely and Yuill;  and Mr. P. Campbell and Mr. M. Vicca;  for the amendment (8) – Councillors Allan, Boulton, Collie, Cooney, Farquharson and Laing;  and Mr. G. Bruce and Mr. S. Duncan;  and absent from the division (1) – Mrs. M. Abdullah.

The Committee resolved:-

(i)         to note that the comments in section 6.7.3 of the report in respect of Culter Police Station being up for sale and therefore unavailable as a facility for the co-location of Council services were not in fact accurate;

(ii)        to adopt the motion and approve the revised recommendations;  and

(iii)       to thank Jane Nicklen for the immense amount of work she had undertaken in relation to the community learning hubs.