"Active and Healthy Lifestyles"

THE BOROUGH OF SCARBOROUGH

LEISURE STRATEGY

2005 - 2010

CONTENTS

1. Introduction

2. Background

3. Strategic Influences

4. Results of the Survey Work

5. SWOT Analysis

6. Key Issues

7. Vision and Aims

8. Priorities for Action

9. Achieving the Strategic Vision

10. Strategic Targets

1. INTRODUCTION

This Strategy carries forward the planning framework and direction established in the Council’s Sports Policy (1997), setting out a co-ordinated approach for the development and provision of accessible, quality leisure for residents and visitors to the Borough for the next five years (2004 - 2009). It encompasses the wide range of facilities, services and activities provided by public, voluntary and private sectors. It will ensure that a strategic approach can take place to help all those involved in leisure provision and to co-ordinate the work of the many agencies and partners.

The Strategy has been written by the Council's Tourism, Leisure and Community Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee within the context of national and regional leisure policies, and Government initiatives and is linked to other Borough Council strategies, plans and policies. Whilst Scarborough Borough Council has initiated this work, it is hoped that the many people, organisations and groups in the public, private and voluntary sectors involved in leisure, will take ownership of the Strategy and contribute towards the Action Plan to achieve its vision and goals.

The Strategy considers "leisure" in its wider context. The definition is broad and inclusive of a vast range of activities including formal sports associated with built facilities as well as those which may use natural resources such as walking and cycling. The document provides an overview of the leisure product, the strategic influences affecting the area, the strengths and weaknesses and the challenges facing the provision of leisure in the future. It details the vision, the key strategic aims, the principles underpinning the Strategy and priorities for future action. It is recognised that the Strategy will only be achieved through partnership and multi-agency working. It is intended that the Strategy represents a shared commitment to meeting the challenge of the future, based on co-ordinated action.

2. BACKGROUND 2.1

Borough Characteristics Scarborough Borough stretches along 45 miles of the North Yorkshire coast from Staithes, the Borough's most northern settlement, to Speeton in the south. The Borough has three main population centres, Scarborough, Whitby and Filey, and a total population of 106,221 inhabitants who are geographically divided as follows:

Scarborough …………... Whitby ………………… Filey …………………… Rural areas ……………..

53,085 14,275 6,095 32,766

Of the resident population of Scarborough Borough 21.4% are between the ages of 20 and 39 compared with 28.1% nationally and 27.6% are over the age of 60, compared with 20.9% of the UK population as a whole. At the time of the 2001 census Scarborough Borough had the highest proportion of people of pensionable age in North Yorkshire. The population is predominantly white with less than 1% of ethnic background. There are no significant differences in the socio-economic profile of the Borough in comparison to national averages.

Unemployment in the Borough is higher than the national and regional average. Information on vacancies shows there is less opportunity for employment in the Borough which leads to an outward migration of skilled workers leaving low-skilled workers seeking jobs which are mostly seasonal, part-time and lowly paid. Car ownership in the Borough is lower than the national average.

As a traditional coastal resort area the Borough has been subject to decline in both the fishing and domestic tourism sectors. The Index of Local Deprivation, published by the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions, identifies areas of acute social and economic deprivation in England. The index shows that Scarborough Borough has five of the ten most deprived wards in North Yorkshire (Castle, Eastfield, Falsgrave, Streonshalh and Filey), of which Castle and Eastfield are among the 10% most deprived wards in England. Scarborough Castle Ward shows particularly acute problems of low income, unemployment and child poverty. The ward of Danby, in the north of the Borough, has been identified as having significant problems of geographical isolation linked to economic deprivation, and falls within the top 1% of England's wards experiencing such conditions. The incidences of social and economic disadvantage are in all the above wards, which fall within the European Union, Objective 2 Local Development and Employment Pact areas, including the Barrowcliff Estate in Woodlands Ward and Hinderwell Parish.

As a district, the Borough ranks 105th of England's 354 districts, placing it squarely in

the top third of the Country's most deprives districts. As in many areas this hides more acute pockets of deprivation and isolation which the ward level data goes some way to illustrate. In addition to these factors, however, Scarborough, Whitby and Filey's development as seaside resorts means that the Borough has an above average number of low quality, seasonal employment opportunities.

Despite the decline in the traditional holiday market tourism still plays a significant role in the Borough's economy. Scarborough, Whitby and Filey are popular visitor destinations while the coastline with its award-winning beaches and geological interest and countryside areas, especially the North York Moors, are popular attractions for informal leisure. During the summer season the population of the Borough grows to approximately 350,000. This significant role is highlighted by tourism:-

Contributing an income of over £130 million to the local economy

accounting for over 8,700 full time equivalent jobs attracting over 5.3 million visitors equivalent to 10.7 million visitor days.

(Scarborough Tourism Economic Activity Monitor - 1999).

Scarborough and Filey have good rail links with York and Hull while Whitby has rail links with Teesside. The road infrastructure is poor and public transport services, especially in rural areas, are limited.

2.2

Review of the Borough's Sports Policy (1997)

The Borough's "Sports Policy" (1997) concentrated on facility need. The document featured a number of key proposals including the provision of the following facilities:-

Proposed Facility Action

1. New Leisure Centre in Whitby adjoining the existing indoor pool.

A new £2 million facility was provided in March 2003 by Sports Lottery and the Government's Capital Challenge funding.

2. Dual-Use Leisure Centre at Filey School.

A Sports Lottery bid submitted by the Borough Council was rejected in 2001. Filey Sports Partnership, a group of stakeholders in the town, commissioned consultants in 2004 to complete a feasibility and needs assessment for leisure provision in the town.

3. Dual-Use facility with athletics track and floodlit all-weather pitch at Graham and Raincliffe Schools, Scarborough.

A Sports Lottery bid by the Borough Council was withdrawn in 2001 due to the limited match funding. The provision of an athletics track is included in Pindar School's Sports College Status application.

Proposed Facility Action 4. Floodlit all-weather pitch at Pindar

School. 5. Floodlit all-weather pitch at Whitby. 6. Floodlit all-weather pitch at

Gatesgarth, Newby. 7. Multi-Use Games Area at Whitby.

Provided in May 1999 by Sports Lottery funding. To be completed by January 2005 at Caedmon School with funding from the New Opportunities Fund. No action. Provided with the new Leisure Centre in March 2003 and funded by the Foundation for Sports and the Arts.

8. Multi-Use Games Area at Clarence

Gardens, Scarborough. 9. Multi-Use Games Area at Robin

Hood's Bay. 10. Multi-Use Games Area at Hunmanby. 11. Table Tennis Centre at Graham

School, Scarborough. 12. Indoor Tennis Centre, Sports Centre,

Scarborough.

Provided in 2002 through Sports Lottery and the Government's Single Regeneration Budget. The project also included the provision of a skateboard park. No action. Provided in 1998 through Sports Lottery funding. Provided in 2001 through Sports Lottery funding. A Sports Lottery bid submitted by the Borough Council was rejected in 2003 due to limited Lottery funding now available.

The majority of the proposed facilities in the Sports Policy have been achieved. Most

of the funding for the new facilities was secured from external sources including the Sports Lottery and Government's Capital Challenge Fund. The provision of the outstanding facilities remains a priority for the Borough Council.

The provision of an Indoor Tennis Centre in North Yorkshire, with Scarborough as the preferred site, remains a priority in the Lawn Tennis Association's Strategic Plan for Yorkshire and Humberside. The provision of an athletics track in Scarborough also remains a priority in the Amateur Athletics Association's Strategic Plan for the region.

2.3 Methodology

The Leisure Strategy is underpinned by the consultation undertaken by the Tourism, Leisure & Community Services Overview & Scrutiny Committee during the winter of 2003/4. Stakeholders consulted included:-

• residents

• sports clubs and sports facility providers • Parish/Town Councils

• Borough Council indoor leisure facility users • schools • youth groups • business community • governing bodies of sports • agencies

In addition members of the Committee visited several sports facilities and schools in the Borough and travelled to meet neighbouring local authority leisure services officers to identify areas of Best Practice.

This work is the most comprehensive of its kind ever undertaken in the Borough. It

provides valuable evidence on the key issues and aspirations of deliverers, participants and non-participants throughout the Borough.

3. STRATEGIC INFLUENCES

In developing the Strategy it is necessary to consider the national, regional and local context. The Strategy sets out how national and local priorities can be co-ordinated to help achieve a local vision for leisure.

3.1 National Strategies Evidence of leisure’s contribution to the high profile issues that are setting the agenda for Central Government and national agencies has been growing. The Government is now looking to leisure to play a central role in radical solutions to problems of health, community cohesion, urban regeneration, youth engagement, economic development and crime reduction.

The public health rationale for promoting physical activity is compelling. Inactive and sedentary lifestyles contribute greatly to disease and death in the UK. The estimated costs of physical inactivity in England are £8.2 billion annually; this excludes the contribution of inactivity due to obesity, which has been estimated at £2.5 billion annually. These figures include both the costs to the National Health Service (NHS) and the economy through absence from work.

The growth in obesity is a major concern to the Government and the NHS. The prevalence of obesity in the UK has trebled since the 1950s. 22% of men and 23.5% of women are now obese. Obesity is also increasing in children with almost 17% of children aged 2-15 years obese. Obesity has a substantial human cost by contributing to the onset of disease and premature death. Most evidence suggests that the main reasons for the rising prevalence is a combination of less active lifestyles and changes in eating patterns.

Regular physical activity is known to decrease the risk of coronary heart disease and

diabetes. Death rates from coronary heart disease in the Borough are higher than the national average while the local population suffering from Type 2 diabetes has risen from 1.7% in 1999 to 3% in 2003. "The National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease, Diabetes and Older People" (2000) sets out the Government's programme:- • to reduce the death rate from coronary heart disease and stroke-related diseases in

people under 75 years by at least 2/5ths by 2010.

“The Game Plan” (2002) the Government's plan for sport and physical activity, recognises the importance of sport and has a target to have more people, more active, more often and for British competitors to gain success in international competition. Currently only 30% of people are physically active (ie take 30 minutes' exercise three times a week) which is the lowest level in Western Europe. Two thirds meet this target through the nature of their occupation. Regionally, levels of physical activity in Yorkshire and the Humber at 28% are lower than the national average.

Research highlights that individuals living in socially disadvantaged areas are likely to

be the least active. Furthermore only 55% of boys and 39% of girls aged 2-15 years are physically active for one hour five times a week. The target is to have 70% of the population active taking part in 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity at least three times a week by 2020. Recent research by Sport England suggests that achievement of the 70% participation targets identified in the Game Plan would result in a health saving of £2.4 billion and additional tax revenues of over £8 billion. Consumer expenditure on sport and employment in sport would double.

The Game Plan goes hand in hand with another Government report "Living Places - Greener, Safer, Cleaner" (2002) which recognises the importance of open space as an outdoor "Leisure Centre" accessible to all the community. New planning guidance "Planning Policy Guidance 17 - Planning for Open Space, Sport and Recreation" (2002) stresses the importance of planning policies for open space and recreation in meeting the Government's agenda outlined above. One important aspect of the PPG is that the Borough Council is required to prepare a "Local Needs Assessment" of all open space, sport and recreation facilities in the Borough.

The Government report "At Least Five a Week" (2004) stresses that leisure should be a key player in the delivery of a national strategy to drive health improvement. Creating a more active nation has resulted in Government departments and key partners working together as an Activity Co-ordination Team (ACT). Major public consultation exercise “Choosing Activity, Choosing Health” has recently been launched to assist with compiling a 3-year delivery plan for increasing activity levels across England.

The Government's commitment to achieving the objectives set out in the Game Plan included the reorganisation of Sport England, the national agency responsible for the strategic leadership in sport and delivering the Government's sporting objectives.

"The Framework for Sport in England - Making England an Active and Successful

Sporting Nation: A Vision for 2020" (2004) outlines how Sport England will provide the strategic direction for sport to 2020. This includes devolution of power from the centre to nine Regional Sports Boards responsible for delivering Regional Plans for Sport. Twenty priority sports have also been identified and Whole Sports Plans for each sport will be developed by 2005 with the national governing bodies to provide a co-ordinated delivery plan and framework for partners at all levels. In addition a further ten development sports had been identified with a particular focus on helping people to start and stay in sport, and develop active lifestyles.

UK Wide Priority Sports:

England Priority Sports:

England Development Sports:

Athletics, Swimming, Cycling, Rowing, Sailing, Canoeing, Triathlon, Judo, Gymnastics, Equestrian

Football, Tennis, Cricket, Rugby Union, Rugby League, Golf, Hockey, Badminton, Squash, Netball

Basketball, Rounders/Softball/Baseball, Movement and Dance, Table Tennis, Volleyball, Lacrosse, Outdoor Pursuits (Mountaineering and Angling), Bowls, Karate, Boxing.

The creation of a new Sport England also included the reduction of 75 programmes to

just two funding streams:- • a national stream providing £130 million to the 30 sports identified above • a community stream based on the Awards for All programme delivered through the

Regional Sports Boards for projects worth £500 - £5,000.

In 2003 the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) published "Learning Through Physical Education and Sport", the National Strategy for Physical Education (PE), school sport and club links in England. The Strategy's aim is to:-

"Enhance the take-up of sporting opportunities by 5-16 year olds by increasing the percentage of school children who spend a minimum of two hours a week on high quality PE and school sport within and beyond the curriculum from 25% in 2002 to 75%."

The Government through the New Opportunities Fund (NOF) is investing £581 million by 2006 to improve physical education and sport within schools and the communities' access to facilities in schools and developing links between schools and local clubs, improvement of coach education and support for talented sportspeople. This will involve establishing specialist sports colleges and create Schools Sports Partnerships for facilitating school sports activities including after school clubs and inter school sports.

The Government again through the NOF is also investing £686 million by 2006 to improve school sports facilities and establish community access to the new facilities across England. The provision of a floodlit all-weather pitch at Caedmon School, Whitby, has been secured from this fund.

This funding and possible further tranches of NOF funding suggests a secure future for

school sport. However, funding to secure the future sustainability of provision by the voluntary sector and local authority network is not so clear.

The National Lottery has had a major impact on improvements to facility provision within the Borough with over £19.4 million awarded to projects in the Borough since its conception in 1994. The funding has been spent on a wide range of small club-based projects and the following major projects:- • Whitby Leisure Centre • Scarborough Table Tennis Centre • floodlit all-weather pitch at Eastfield, Scarborough • skateboard park and multi-use games area, Scarborough.

Income from the Lottery is steadily declining, with a projected fall in real terms of

63% between 1995 when it was launched and the estimated figure for 2009, while a change from national to regional grant distribution has led to increased competition for capital funding.

Following a review of the National Lottery the current Community Fund and NOF have been replaced by a new distributor titled the "Big Lottery Fund". This fund will distribute half the money for good causes from the National Lottery although specific programmes have not been published at the time of writing of this document.

The Government's Objective 2 funding for disadvantaged areas in the Borough is available until 2006. Potential exists for securing funding from the Priority 3 element of Objective 2 for supporting outreach work and community use of facilities in these areas. Other remaining funding sources include the Foundation for Sport and the Arts, National Playing Fields Association, Football Foundation, charitable trusts and sports governing bodies.

Most national governing bodies of sport possess their own national and often regional strategic plans. Current themes include the drive towards improving the standards of playing facilities and club development through quality awards and adopting best practice.

The Government's Crime and Disorder Act places new responsibilities on local authorities to establish formal partnerships with the Police and provides a focus on community safety initiatives. Locally this has resulted in the production of a Crime and Disorder Strategy for the Borough and creation of a Community Safety Team featuring a partnership between North Yorkshire Police and Scarborough Borough Council. The power of sport to aid rehabilitation of offenders and provide alternative activities to anti-social behaviour has been recognised and Government funding has been provided through the Youth Offending Service and Positive Futures Fund to provide multi-agency projects for this purpose. Local Agenda 21 provides a framework for the development of co-ordinated environmental strategies at a local level.

3.2 Regional Strategies

The Government's drive towards regionalisation and decentralisation has resulted in the creation of Yorkshire Forward, a business-led Regional Development Agency for the Yorkshire & Humber Region for the economic regeneration of the region and the granting of increasing powers to Sport England Yorkshire Region and the establishment of the Yorkshire Sports Board featuring representation from the public, voluntary and education sectors and sports agencies. "Ysport – The Strategy for Sport in the Yorkshire and Humber Region" (2003) focuses on:- • Establishing the strategic agenda for sport in Yorkshire and the Humber

• Providing a reference framework for sports partners when developing their strategy

• Promoting more effective working through developing effective partnerships at a

regional and sub-regional level which add value

• Making it simpler for people working in sport by developing relationships to build clearer better lines of communication and to reduce duplication.

“The Yorkshire Plan for Sport 2004-8” outlines how Sport England Yorkshire Region

will implement the Government's recommendations in the Game Plan for increased participation in sport and for modernising the delivery and organisation of sport. The Plan sets ambitious targets:-

• Increase Participation

160,000 new people taking part in sport and active recreation three times a week • Improve Levels of Performance

10% of Yorkshire athletes in the England and Great Britain teams • Widen Access

Reduce the participation gap between different groups within the population by 25%

• Improve Health and Wellbeing

32% of adults achieve the Department of Health physical activity guidelines

• Improve Community Safety 5% Increase in voluntary and community sector sport activity

• Raise Standards in Education

75% of school children receiving two hours of high-quality physical education and school sport within and beyond the curriculum each week

• Benefit the Economy Maintain sports contribution to the regional economy at 1.6%

The Plan also sets out how Sport England Yorkshire Region will reform the organisation of sport and active recreation in the region. This will include providing strategic leadership for sport, working with 20 priority sports to develop whole Sports Plans and working with Local Government to develop guidance on Local Public Service Agreement targets for sport.

The Cultural Consortium for Yorkshire & Humber, a public/private partnership

established to promote the region's culture, in its Strategy document "Deep Roots, Real Achievements, Lofty Ambitions (2001-2010)" sets out the visions and the priorities of the cultural life of the region. "Special Places: Special People - A Cultural Framework for North Yorkshire" (2005) produced by the North Yorkshire Cultural Group links the broader national and regional strategic documents to the local delivery mechanism.

The following six policy statements provide the focus for the cultural framework. • To improve access, inclusion in participation and enjoyment of cultural activity

throughout North Yorkshire. • To develop effective partnerships and communication networks to achieve

common goals.

• To sustain and build upon current diversity of cultural provision within North Yorkshire to retain the distinctiveness of the county.

• To develop individuals and communities by providing access and opportunities to

continue to acquire skills, knowledge and experience through cultural activity.

• To maximise investment into cultural activities in the county.

• To actively support and encourage the cultural economy of the county.

These policy statements have been translated into an action plan to address the priorities identified as crucial to the cultural development of North Yorkshire.

The North York Moors National Park "Draft Revised Management Plan Objectives (2004)" outlines the future strategic direction for the Park. The document identifies the following key issues and objectives which influence the provision of leisure in the Park:-

Coastal and Marine Issues • To identify and promote opportunities and areas with the potential for appropriate

recreational use and identify and protect sensitive areas.

Access and Right of Way • To assert and protect the rights of the public to use and enjoy the public footpaths,

bridleways and byways and to maintain an accurate and up-to-date definitive map. • To encourage responsible use and care of the rights of way network by users,

landowners and managers. • To promote and maintain a network of National Trails, Regional Routes and

Waymarked Walks for the benefit of all users, with the remainder of the network open and available for users to discover.

• To seek further opportunities for informal public access where there is no conflict

with conservation interests.

Recreation • To promote opportunities for recreation that are compatible with National Park

purposes and the special qualities of the National Park and respect the interests of local communities.

3.3 Local Strategies

The Borough Council, driven by the Government's Comprehensive Performance Assessment and Best Value initiatives, has moved in recent years towards performance-related management and the provision of services and allocation of resources based on the Council's Key Priorities and Corporate Objectives. Budgets across the Council face new pressures each year. Although Leisure Services is not a statutory service there is increasing recognition that it can greatly contribute to many of the cross cutting issues affecting society.

The "Community Strategy" (2002) was produced by Scarborough Borough

Community Partnership featuring over 120 partner organisations from the public, private, voluntary and community sectors to provide a strategic framework for the Borough. The Strategy has 10 cross cutting themes. Leisure can greatly contribute to six of these themes:-

• to develop tourism and improve opportunities for leisure

• to keep the Borough healthy • to reduce crime and disorder • to promote lifelong learning and education for all • to protect, sustain and enhance the environment • to sustain the local economy

The Borough Council's "Corporate Plan 2003-8" outlines the Council's contribution to

the Community Strategy and sets out the strategic direction for all its services. The plan states the Council's mission is:-

"To enhance the quality of life for those living in, working in or visiting the Borough" and its Key Priorities are to:-

• to protect and improve the wider coastal environment

• to address community disadvantage • to facilitate better quality jobs and investment • to deliver safer communities

Leisure can contribute to tackling the Key Priorities addressing community

disadvantage and delivering safer communities.

One of the Council's nine Corporate Objectives is:- "To develop Tourism and improve opportunities for leisure". Other Corporate Objectives Leisure can contribute to achieving are:-

• to reduce crime and disorder • to keep the population of the Borough healthy • to sustain and develop the local economy • to improve, protect and sustain the environment.

The "Local Plan", Planning Policy Guidance Note 17 and Section 106 promotes appropriate leisure development, including open space and play provision, throughout the Borough. The main objectives of the plan are:-

• to protect existing public and private open space and other facilities of recreational

and amenity value • to make provision for sport and recreational needs of the community

• to encourage the recreational use of the countryside where there are no overriding conflicts with other land uses and the environment.

The Borough Council's "Cultural Strategy (2003-2007)" is a thematic document that contributes to the Council's overall strategic vision by outlining priorities that inform the provision of cultural services throughout the Borough in tune with the Council's Mission Statement:- "To enhance the quality of life for those living, working in or visiting the Borough."

The key priorities identified in the Plan are:-

• to tackle social exclusion • to encourage lifelong learning

• to promote environmental sustainability • to enhance community safety • to contribute towards economic regeneration • to improve the health of residents and visitors to the Borough.

Leisure is conveniently placed to contribute towards achieving these priorities. A Best Value Review of Leisure & Community Services is currently being conducted.

It is anticipated that the Review Report and Action Plans will guide the Council on the future delivery of the service. The Council is also currently compiling an Open Spaces Strategy document which will share common themes as the Leisure Strategy on the provision of open space.

The Borough of Scarborough Tourism Strategy 2000-2005 sets out the direction for

the development, promotion and management of tourism in the Borough. The overall aim of the Strategy is to "Revitalise and refocus tourism in the Borough of Scarborough so that it is more competitive, practical and sustainable". The document recognises the importance of activity based tourism and informal countryside recreation and their potential contribution to creating new market demand and developing new tourism products.

The Scarborough, Whitby & Ryedale PCT is responsible for overseeing the delivery of

National Health Services in the Scarborough Borough Council and Ryedale District Council. It is working with local organisations both statutory and voluntary to improve health including access to exercise and leisure opportunities. The PCT have established a multi-agency steering group to compile an Obesity Strategy for the PCT area by the Autumn of 2004. This document will outline how the PCT with its partners will tackle the problem of obesity in the Scarborough area.

The PCT in partnership with the under 5s agency Sure Start, Scarborough Borough Council, Ryedale District Council and the North York Moors National Park have appointed a Physical Activity Co-ordinator for the PCT area to establish multi-agency partnership to improve the health of target groups, especially the socially excluded, through increasing opportunities and participation levels in physical activity.

The vision of the "Scarborough, Whitby & Ryedale Physical Activity Strategy (2004-6)" is to: "improve the health of targeted groups within the community by increasing the opportunities and participation levels of physical activity through partnership and multi-agency working" and the objectives of the Strategy are:-

• To raise awareness and provide knowledge of the benefits, opportunities and

appropriate levels of physical activity required for good health.

• To support sustainable local community infrastructures by providing leadership and training opportunities in health-related physical activity.

• To promote a culture where physical activity is socially inclusive and integrated

into everyday life.

• To develop a programme of evidence-based physical activities: delivered in a

variety of settings and focusing on specific population groups - socially deprived, disadvantaged communities, vulnerable groups and individuals 'at risk'.

• To address the barriers to participation/increased activity and the development of

successful strategies to overcome them. Barriers can be classified as:

• 'environmental/physical' - including quality of parks and public space, safety

concerns, presence of cycle/footpaths, the cost of /distance to facilities and existence of public community transport.

• 'self-imposed/attitudinal' - including apathy, and the mis-perception of being 'active enough'.

• human resources - including shortages of skilled professionals/volunteers in key sectors, and the lack of training and development within the existing workforce to meet new demands.

• To establish a monitoring and evaluation framework which will inform the

development of future activities. Target interventions are recommended for five specific groups:-

• Deprived communities - PACT areas - the seven neighbourhood partnerships in Scarborough Borough are Filey, Whitby, Hinderwell, Castle, Falsgrave, Eastfield and Barrowcliff.

PACT (isolated/rural) areas in Ryedale are Dales and Ebberston wards.

• Socially excluded (at risk) populations - with particular focus on individuals with learning disabilities, physical disabilities and lone parents.

• Children - 0 to 15 years.

• Young People - 16 to 24 years.

• Older People - 55+ years.

3.4 Current Provision

The Borough offers a wide range of leisure opportunities.

Scarborough Borough Council The Borough Council provides:- • both wet and dry indoor leisure facilities including Scarborough Sports Centre,

Scarborough Indoor Pool, Whitby Leisure Centre and Pindar Leisure Centre, a dual-use facility at Pindar School, Eastfield. They provide a base for a wide range of sporting clubs and deliver a balanced programme of activities and events.

• sports pitches, bowling greens and tennis courts are either managed by the Council

or leased to sports associations and clubs • sporting and community events for residents and visitors

• sports development opportunities, events and initiatives, club/coach development and funding advice

• parks/open spaces/countryside • outreach work through the Action Sport scheme • Community and Area Committees' Grant Schemes

• seasonal attractions such as Atlantis Waterpark, North Bay Miniature Railway etc • beach services including Chalets, Lifeguards, First Aid, Lost Children at the four

Resort Beaches of Scarborough South and North Bays, Filey Bay and West Cliff Beach, Whitby.

• children's play including four playcentres in disadvantaged areas, 43 playgrounds, mostly located on Council or private housing estates and school holiday playschemes

• community halls including the Evron Centre, Filey, Scalby Parish Hall and the Falsgrave Community Resource Centre, Edgehill, Scarborough

• 80% rate relief on Business Rates to Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) • strategic development of leisure, sport and play through its Planning function. • strategic development of cycleways and footpaths through its Highways function in

the Scarborough area. Scarborough Leisure Services possesses the Investors in People Award and the Charter

Mark Award for Quality. A recent customer satisfaction survey highlighted a 77% satisfaction rate.

The Borough's parks and open spaces allow individuals, groups and families of all ages to be active in enjoying their local environment. The importance of open space in close proximity to residential areas is recognised as essential to community provision. Parks and open spaces have also traditionally been a base for children to play. Maintenance and community safety issues are likely to challenge the current provision of playgrounds. The Borough Council is likely to consider the rationalisation of the number of sites and improvement in quality with sustainable funding in the near future.

The Borough Council is under pressure to expand its services at a time when its own financial resources are shrinking. Recognising the financial constraints within which the service operates, there is a greater need than ever for forward planning, effective management, maximising opportunities and partnership working.

Supply and demand for leisure facilities also exists across Council boundaries. Residents on the southern boundary of the Borough access facilities at Bridlington (East Riding of Yorkshire Council) and at the northern boundary of the Borough facilities at Loftus (Redcar and Cleveland District Council).

The provision of a leisure service is not a statutory function for local authorities. However providing opportunities to participate in leisure activities has a significant contribution to improving the quality of life for individuals and the community and can assist the Council in achieving many of its strategic priorities and corporate objectives.

North Yorkshire County Council

The North Yorkshire County Council Local Education Authority has a major impact on sport through its Education policies. There are currently eight senior and 47 primary schools in the Borough where physical education is a compulsory element of the school curriculum. The provision of dedicated sports facilities varies and in some primary schools there are no facilities while others are in need of refurbishment. Opportunities exist for participation in extra-curricular activities and competitive sport although this varies between schools. The Scarborough Primary Schools Sports Association and the Whitby Schools Sports Association organise sporting fixtures and events and have attracted external funding for new sports equipment.

Pindar School and Woodlands Special School are currently working towards Specialist Sports College Status. If successful, they will assist in securing further funding for sport in the Borough. The first School Sports partnership in the county involving 27 senior and junior schools in the Scarborough area, has been established at Pindar School. The partnership is working with National governing bodies, the Borough Council and other agencies to improve the delivery of school sport, the links with voluntary clubs and the community.

Pindar and Scalby Schools in Scarborough and Caedmon and Eskdale Schools in

Whitby have achieved the Sportsmark Gold Award for their PE curriculum and extra-curricular sports. Many primary schools have implemented the Top Play and Top Sports initiatives.

The PCT has also established a Healthy Schools Co-ordinator post to assist schools in the PCT area to achieve the Healthy Schools Award which recognises commitment to healthy eating, curriculum physical education and out of school sports opportunities for pupils etc. There are currently seven schools in the Borough which have achieved the Award.

Other educational establishments in the Borough include Hull University (Scarborough Campus), who have a partnership agreement to access Borough Council indoor leisure facilities, two sixth form colleges and a small number of private schools.

School sports facilities are made available for community access outside school time.

A Joint Use Agreement exists with the Borough Council for the community use of Pindar School and the community has access to the swimming pool at Filey School. However the level of use varies across the Borough according to the quality and size of facilities and the management ethos of the school. All schools should be viewed as a valuable facility resource for sport, particularly in rural areas.

The County Council's Community Education Service offers Adult Education courses and classes in a variety of leisure activities and provides several Youth Clubs in the Borough for children and young people aged 11 to 18 years.

The North Yorkshire County Council Moors and Coast Area Committee provides small grants for local clubs and community organisations while the County's Highways Authority has responsibility for the strategic development of cycleways and footpaths.

North York Moors National Park Authority

The purpose of the North York Moors National Park is to:- • conserve and enhance the national beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Park. • promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities

of the Park by the public.

The National Park Authority is the local planning authority for the National Park and is responsible for managing and developing public right of way. Other responsibilities include promoting the Park through organising events and activities, producing information and interpretation, operating a ranger service and destination management.

Parish/Town Councils

Parish and Town Councils provide open space, playing fields, children's play and village/community halls. The range of provision varies between Councils. In rural areas the facilities provided by the Parish Councils are often the only facilities available and play a major role in providing for the leisure needs of rural communities.

Private Sector

The private sector provides fitness and health, equestrian, tenpin bowling and extensive childcare facilities on a commercial basis. A small number of accommodation providers and caravan holiday camps possess fitness and health facilities and swimming pools with community access. To date not one of the national fitness chains has established a facility in the Borough. This is probably due to the fact that all the centres of population, including Scarborough, fall below their minimum catchment criteria.

Professional sport is also catered for with County Cricket at the North Marine Road

ground, Scarborough and Conference League Football at McCain's stadium, Scarborough.

Voluntary Sector

An extensive voluntary sector featuring over 220 sports clubs and community groups throughout the Borough provides a variety of facilities and activities. Many of the sports clubs are members of the Scarborough & District Sports Council established in the early 1980s to assist sports clubs and encourage participation in sporting activities. The annual Sports Awards and "Come and Try It" Festival raises the profile of clubs and sporting opportunities while the quarterly newsletter informs members of the latest club and coach developments.

The clubs and community groups in the Borough range from large organisations and sports associations, managing their own facilities and providing a range of activities, to individual teams with fast changing membership and no facilities. In 2003 the Seahawks Basketball Club based at Pindar Leisure Centre was the first basketball club in the UK and only the second sports club in North Yorkshire to achieve the Sport England Club Mark accreditation.

The clubs offer residents the opportunity to participate or spectate in most sports and to

develop through the four Key Sports Development Stages of:- • Foundation

among young people, particularly primary school age, the acquisition of basic movement and sports skills to provide a foundation for personal development and future participation in the sport of their choice.

• Participation among all members of the community the opportunity to take part

in a wide range of activities whether for reasons of enjoyment, fitness, social contact or simply the desire to get involved in sport.

• Performance among those already participating the opportunity to improve their performance from whatever base they start, where the desire to improve is the key factor for involvement and the full realisation of improved performance is the attainment of personal excellence.

• Excellence among those with the interest and ability, the opportunity to achieve publicly recognised levels of excellence.

Clubs welcome beginners and offer opportunities for competition in local and regional

leagues. Regional facilities include the Graham School Table Tennis Centre and the Alexandra Indoor Bowls Centre.

Volunteer coaches, administrators, managers and officials provide a massive in-kind

contribution to leisure provision. Volunteering not only benefits those in receipt of the service, but also the volunteer through their engagement in society and the sense of fulfilment voluntary work can bring. Volunteering and its contribution to active citizenship are high on the social policy agenda across all political parties. The British Sports Trust, Sport England and Youth Trust "Step into Sport" initiative aimed at developing and training volunteers was launched in North Yorkshire in April 2004.

Environmental Assets The Borough has a very significant resource in its countryside areas. A large portion is located within the North York Moors National Park which receives 9 million visitor days annually. The Park is the largest expanse of heather moorland in England and Wales and the Park Authority works to provide enjoyment for visitors and encourage understanding of the area while balancing this with conservation of its special character.

The coastline of the Borough provides unique water resources for a range of

watersports especially surfing but also canoeing and windsurfing and features award-winning resort beaches at Scarborough South and North Bays, Filey Bay and West Cliff Beach, Whitby. A section of the Borough coastline has been defined as Heritage Coast as one of the finest stretches of under developed coastline in England and Wales. It also has great geological interest recognised through the establishment of the Dinosaur Coast Project which promotes this asset.

Both the countryside and the coast offer excellent opportunities for informal leisure

activities such as walking and cycling. The Borough boasts a number of regional footpaths including the Cleveland Way and cycleways including the Moor to Sea Cycle Route. The Nortrail and North Sea Cycle Route also provide walkers and cyclists with routes that link up the coastal regions of several countries. These projects have the potential to bring great economic benefit to the area.

The National Park together with Ryedale District Council and Dalby Forest have

recently submitted a bid for £800,000 to the Lottery Active England Fund, which closed on 31 March 2004, to develop a Master Plan for cycling in the area to further develop facilities.

Wykeham Lakes and Scaling Dam provide areas of inland water which are used for

recreational water activities. The Borough's countryside and coastline present excellent potential for further development of outdoor adventure activities such as surfing, mountain biking and cycling.

Sports Tourism

The economy of the Borough is heavily dependent upon tourism and organised events, activities and informal leisure provide a major economic benefit to the area. The Borough hosts a large number of sporting and leisure events of regional importance. These include the Scarborough Cricket Festival and Bike Week which provide an opportunity for spectators to enjoy sport at its highest level.

4. RESULTS OF THE SURVEY WORK

The consultation exercise conducted by the Tourism, Leisure & Community Services Overview & Scrutiny Committee included surveys of several stakeholders in the Borough. The results provide valuable evidence on key issues for leisure in the Borough. 1. Residents Panel

The Residents' Panel was established by the Borough Council as a consultation body featuring 1,000 residents over the age of 18 years from a cross-section of the community. The aims of the questionnaire survey of the Residents' Panel were to identify the rates, characteristics and barriers to participation, satisfaction with existing provision and aspirations for the future. Of 1,000 questionnaires dispatched 233 replies were received. The following key points are noted:-

• Mainstream sports do not appear to be major sources of leisure interest or

participation for the majority of residents as walking, reading and gardening are the most popular.

• Most (49%) participated in leisure at their home or friends' house although the

sports and leisure facilities provided by the Council are important to residents (26%), but there is a low level utilisation of school/college and leisure facilities (6%)

• There is general satisfaction (44%) with the range of facilities available throughout

the Borough which residents believe to generally meet their needs • The additional provision of and improvement to existing play facilities provided

for children and young persons is identified as a top priority by residents

• The most noted reason for non-participation is lack of time (56%).

2. Sports Groups and Organisations The aims of the questionnaire survey of sports groups and providers' organisations was to identify their characteristics and future requirements. Of a total of 265 questionnaires distributed to known organisations that are either leisure participants or providers 77 (29%) were returned. The following key points were noted:-

• Respondents are predominantly associated with the provision of mainstream sporting activities, tennis, football, cricket, swimming and bowls. Other less popular activities such as boxing, dancing, judo and sailing, however, are indicative of a diverse range of leisure and sporting activities available within the Borough area

• 81% of facility providers who responded stated their premises were used at least

twice per week and 76% were available for use by non-members

• Membership levels are indicative of an active and well supported local sporting scene

• The majority of sports club members are males (78%). Provision for children is

primarily focused on school activities, swimming, junior cricket and football clubs, judo and dance. Whilst children have access to a wide range of leisure activities, the range of facilities available is narrow and limited outside of school hours.

• 43% of responding organisations indicate that they have disabled members.

However, the actual percentage of disabled to overall membership is relatively small averaging no more than 4%. It should be noted that approximately 23% of the population of the Borough as a whole are registered disabled

• Subscription fees do not present a barrier to club membership. However, only 14%

of organisations offered concessions for members on low incomes, 21% for the unemployed, 16% for disabled but 57% for juniors. Whilst it appears concessions are freely available for children, there would appear to be strong indication that further concessions may need to be provided to encourage increased sporting participation amongst disadvantaged groups

• Just over half of the organisations who responded (56%) have access to coaching

facilities, but of all the groups only 32 (42%) consider this provision adequate

• Of the groups who responded (79%) highlighted the need for new or improved facilities, the most frequent mentioned being more and better quality pitches including all weather and floodlit surfaces, better equipment and the replacement or improvement of existing club houses and changing areas. Other needs identified include direct financial assistance and help in securing grant aid, attraction of more volunteers and improved marketing to increase appeal to a wider range of participants. Future aspirations identify a lack of coaching facilities and general need to increase levels of participation amongst juniors and girls

• Most organisations would like to see the Council provide additional funding in

support of their activities (40%). However, also of importance are issues of subsidised use of the Council’s facilities and help with access to funding.

3. Schools and Youth Groups

A cross-section of the Borough's senior schools were consulted together with youth groups including Sea Scouts, Guides, Scouts and County Council Education Service After School Clubs and Youth Clubs. The results of the Youth Groups Survey mirrored that of the schools. The aims of the questionnaire surveys were to identify the rates, characteristics and barriers to participation, satisfaction with existing provision and aspirations for future provision. A total of 103 questionnaires were returned by school students following six member/officer presentations to local schools and colleges. The following key points were noted:-

• Respondents have little difficulty in travelling to facilities with the vast majority relying on car/motorbike for transport

• Most respondents (66%) participated in their favourite activity as members of

clubs or associations • The majority of respondents (63%) took less than 20 minutes to travel to their

favourite activity

• Lack of facilities (30%) is highlighted as the principal reason why students do not or are not able to spend more time taking part in leisure activities

• Keeping fit is identified as the main activity students would like to participate in,

but currently don’t • Students were generally satisfied with the facilities available throughout the

Borough. Equally the majority of students feel that the facilities available effectively meet their needs

• Students would most like to see improvements in the provision of indoor leisure

facilities and outdoor sports pitches. 4. Town and Parish Councils

The aim of the questionnaire survey of Town and Parish Councils was to identify their aspirations for future provision, barriers experienced by their residents to participation and the effectiveness of current provision. From 39 questionnaires distributed to Town and Parish Councils in the Borough 15 (38%) were returned. The majority ie 13 of these returns were from Councils representing rural authorities. The following key points are noted:-

• Responding Councils identify the need to improve children's and young persons'

activities as a key priority

• There is a marked degree (53%) of concern with regard to the effectiveness with which the leisure needs of residents in rural areas are being met

• Respondents would like to see the Council improve facilities and provide

additional funding, although there was no consensus as to which leisure activities/facilities they would most like to see improved

• Lack of facilities and transport are identified as the main barriers to increased

leisure participation in rural areas.

5. Business Community Consultation with the Business Community mirrors similar work conducted for the Borough's "Tourism Strategy (2000-5)" including the Business Community's desire for the expansion of the sports tourism market and development of new market demand for leisure tourism centred on the countryside and coastline.

6. User Survey - Indoor Leisure Facilities

The aim of the questionnaire survey was to identify participation rates, user characteristics and future aspirations. Surveys were conducted over the whole range of opening hours at the following Borough Council operated indoor leisure facilities:- • Scarborough Sports Centre • Scarborough Indoor Pool • Whitby Leisure Centre

Scarborough Sports Centre - Summary of Key Points

• There is a trend away from team games towards individual leisure activities, especially towards fitness and exercise activities.

• The majority of customers come at least once a week, with significant numbers coming between 2-4 times per week. This indicates a small loyal customer base.

• The age of users fits the national profile with good usage from the 25-30 age group and the 20-24 age group. There is also good usage from the 55+ age group compared to the national trend, which mirrors the demographic profile of the Borough.

• Majority of customers are in work and are of the socio-economic ABC1 category.

There is also good representation from students, probably due to the proximity of the Hull University (Scarborough Campus).

• Most customers live in the south of Scarborough, although there is significant usage from north Scarborough from the 55+ groups.

• There is poor use from the Filey area despite little competition. • There is a strong female usage 58% which has increased in recent years due to the

development of the fitness suite and popularity of exercise classes.

Scarborough Indoor Pool - Summary of Key Points

• The majority of customers visit at least once a week, with a significant number coming between 2-4 times per week, which indicates a small loyal customer base.

• There is strong female usage (58%), which matches the national trend, and strong use by 25-35 year olds followed by good penetration in the 55-74 market.

• There is a significant number of older people using the pool, which mirrors the demographic profile of the Borough, together with strong student use. Out of these who work the majority are socio-economic ABC1 category.

• There is strong use from the north of Scarborough (where the pool is located), lower use from the south of Scarborough, with virtually no use from the Filey area, possibly due to the competition from Filey School and the caravan holiday parks.

• There is also low use by the unemployed and C2s which are proportionally over-represented in the Borough.

Whitby Leisure Centre - Summary of Key Points

• The Centre has a small, loyal customer base with 98% of customers visiting at least once a week and 72% 2-4 times a week.

• The majority (35%) of customers are aged 35-44 years, with good penetration having been made in the 55+ market, which mirrors the demography of the Borough.

• The majority of customers are in work and are in the socio-economic ABC1 category. C2 participation is disappointing.

• There is a strong female usage (54%), probably due to the popularity of swimming, exercise classes and the fitness suite amongst females.

Summary of the Results of All the Survey Work

Common themes which are prevalent in the results of the survey work include:-

• the request for new and improved sports facilities especially for indoor leisure and

sports pitches

• the need to support the voluntary sector

• the need to improve the opportunities for children and young people to participate

in leisure

• the access problems experienced in rural areas.

5. SWOT ANALYSIS

Strengths Weaknesses 1. Wide range of sports provision.

2. Active local voluntary sector. 3. Existing multi-agency working. 4. Natural assets including coastline and

countryside. 5. Strong loyal customer base at Borough

Council indoor leisure facilities. 6. School Sports Partnership scheme. 7. Good levels of sports provision in urban

areas.

1. Small user base at Borough Council operated indoor leisure facilities..

2. Lower than average usage of Borough Council operated indoor facilities by residents from socio-economic groups D and E.

3. A large number of existing sports, community and play facilities are aged or of poor quality.

4. Lack of facilities in rural areas and the Filey area.

5. The region's level of participation in physical activity is below the national average.

6. There is a perception of a lack of facilities/activities for children and young people.

Opportunities

Threats

1. Leisure's potential to contribute towards improving the quality of life.

2. Potential for further multi-agency working.

3. Introduction of new funding streams for tackling the Government's social agenda.

4. Increased community usage of under-utilised education and community facilities.

5. Potential to develop informal and adventure leisure.

6. Growth of sports tourism. 7. Greater demand from increased

participation in achieving Government targets for physical activity

1. Increasing competition for public sector funds which may result in budgetary constraints for non-statutory functions such as Leisure and Community Services.

2. Reduced funding from the Sports Lottery for capital projects.

3. Increasing sedentary lifestyle from non-active pursuits.

4. Increase in working hours with less free time for leisure activities.

5. Reduction in voluntary commitment to running clubs.

6. Increasing poor health and obesity within society.

8. Improved pathways from schools to clubs.

9. Develop community capacity building.

10. Achieving Specialist Sports College Status at Pindar School and Woodlands Special School.

6. KEY ISSUES

The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis identified the following key issues.

6.1

Tackling Social Agenda Issues

Leisure can contribute towards achieving the participation targets set out in the Game Plan and tackling the social agenda issues of health, community cohesion, youth engagement, social inclusion, community safety and economic development within the Borough.

6.2 Sustainability

Resources are required to provide the leisure opportunities to meet the above challenge. This includes securing adequate funding in the voluntary and local authority sectors and a suitable number of volunteers in the voluntary sector.

6.3

Access

The barriers to participation such as lack of opportunities in rural areas, access to suitable facilities, cost etc must be addressed if leisure is to achieve its full potential within the Borough.

6.4

Quality Many of the existing facilities are aged and of poor quality. Community facility need exists to improve this provision and provide new facilities. These shortfalls will need to be initiated through partnerships with the private sector, schools and colleges and community groups.

7. VISION AND AIMS 7.1

The vision for leisure in the Borough is to:-

"Provide quality and accessible leisure opportunities for residents and visitors to lead an active and healthy lifestyle within the Borough."

7.2 Aims

In developing the Strategy the following key strategic aims have emerged:-

• Increase participation -

involving more people in leisure, especially target groups like young people, in enjoying and benefiting from participation. A major challenge exists in achieving the Government's target set out in the Game Plan of 70% of the population participating in physical exercise every week.

• Improve quality -

by providing the strategic direction for the development of facilities and enabling partners to realise their plans, the opportunities for the wider community of access to better quality facilities can be achieved.

• Improve access -

to achieve the Strategy Leisure must remove barriers to participation whether environmental, economic, transport etc, maximise opportunity for everyone and ensure residents and visitors are aware of the opportunities available.

• Improve the skills and the capacity of the voluntary sector -

Volunteers provide the backbone for leisure provision in the Borough as coaches, administrators, managers and officials. Due to the competing demands on people's time many organisations have difficulty in attracting volunteers. Support is required to ensure adequate numbers of suitably skilled volunteers are available to achieve the potential of the voluntary sector.

8. PRIORITIES FOR ACTION

The Aims of the Strategy have been used to shape the following Priorities for Action for the next five years:- • Increase Participation

− Increase participation especially amongst young people and those living in the PACT and rural areas.

− Provide opportunities for the most vulnerable and disaffected to enhance community safety.

− Create greater awareness of the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. − Increase awareness of the opportunities available to participate in leisure

activities. • Improve Quality

− Raise current provision to modern standards. − Satisfy the facility needs of the community by filling gaps in current

provision. − Provide advice on securing external funding.

• Improve Access

− Focus on the needs of children and young people. − Concentrate on reducing barriers to participation, geographical isolation,

develop products to meet lifestyle constraints. − Develop the potential of the Borough’s environmental assets. − Improve awareness among residents and visitors of available leisure

opportunities. • Improve the Skills and Capacity of the Voluntary Sector

− Raise awareness of development opportunities for the voluntary sector. − Support and disseminate good practice.

9. ACHIEVING THE STRATEGIC VISION

In seeking to achieve the vision and priorities for action highlighted within this Strategy, it will be necessary to:-

• Secure Resources - considerable resources, both financial and manpower, will be required to achieve the vision of this Strategy. Sources of funding available to achieve the Strategy will include the public sector, private sector and external funding. However, within a context of increasing pressure on public finances there will be a need to prioritise resources to maximise their effectiveness.

• Work in partnership - if the Leisure Strategy is to be successful there is a need

for all organisations with an interest in leisure to work together across a range of issues.

• Provide a framework for sport - the provision of sport in the Borough will be

best served by a structured framework of development opportunities through the four key stages of sports development - foundation, participation, performance and excellence.

• Be market led - aspire to ensure that the provision of facilities and activities meet

the needs and aspirations of the community as identified through the consultation exercise with stakeholders.

• Continuous improvement - through improving and increasing leisure facilities,

developing the quality and quantity of volunteers in the voluntary sector and ensuring the adoption of best practice and the achievement of quality awards where appropriate.

10. STRATEGIC TARGETS

The Strategic Targets reflect the aims of the Strategy and are Key Indicators of activity. The targets will be delivered through Leisure Action Plans produced every two years by the partners involved in achieving the aims and reviewed annually. The first Action Plan will cover the period 2004-6. • Participation The questionnaire survey of the Residents' Panel identified that 53% of respondents participated in a physical leisure activity (sport, walking or cycling) three or more times a week. The target will be to increase this figure by 1% each year to 58% in 2009.

The questionnaire survey of Schools and Youth Groups identified that 59% of respondents participated in extra-curricular physical leisure activity (sport, walking or cycling) three or more times a week. The target will be to increase this figure by 1% each year to 64% by 2009.

• Satisfaction In 2003 the levels of satisfaction with leisure provision experienced by the Borough's Residents' Panel was 51%. The target will be to increase this figure to 56% by 2009.

• Level of Provision

Having considered the results of the consultation exercise with stakeholders and noted the outstanding proposed facilities from the Sports Policy (1997) document, the provision of the following facilities is proposed during the next 10 years to satisfy the community's facility need:-

• 400m synthetic surface athletics track in Scarborough • a single site multi-purpose leisure facility in Scarborough to replace the aged split

site provision • an indoor leisure facility in Filey • additional youth facilities including a skateboard park in Whitby and BMX facility

in Scarborough • additional playing fields in Filey and improved playing surfaces on existing

playing fields • rationalisation of children's playgrounds • increased access by the community to school facilities outside school hours.

• External Funding

The difficulty experienced by the public and voluntary sectors in securing financial resources has resulted in an increasing need to attract external funding. Although a large number of funding sources have been used the majority of the funding was received from Lottery distributors. A measure of the effectiveness in attracting external funding will be conducted annually throughout the life of the Strategy by comparing the sum of funding received from the Lottery distributors.