Agenda item

County Councillor David Smith, Lead Member for Community Services, gave an opening statement regarding the progress on implementing the Culture and Sport Strategy 2010-14. It was reported that the libraries "Regenerate" programme had been successful and popular with the local communities they served. A number of initiatives aimed at attracting people of all ages to libraries had been rolled out such as the 'share a story' and 'silver surfers' classes. It was also reported that Stewart Parsons, Project Officer – Youthspace, had gained national recognition for his work in transforming library services and had subsequently been selected to represent England as an emergent and innovative librarian on the International Network of Emerging Library Innovators. It was hoped that some innovative ideas would come out of the international convention.

The Committee was informed of the Museum of Lancashire's (MOL) ongoing community outreach activities including the 'Museum to You' events which had attracted people of all ages to sample what would be on offer when the MOL re-opens to the public in November 2011.

It was reported that the Lancashire Record Office which was closed to the public for essential maintenance was due to re-open on Monday 24 October 2011. Whilst the contractors were on target to completing the work on time there still remained issues surrounding storage and cataloguing. However, the Committee was informed that the digitalisation project was breaking new ground and allowing some services to remain 'open' to the public in a virtual sense. County Councillor Smith welcomed the recent appointment of the Heritage Managers to provide stronger links with the Districts.

County Councillor Smith congratulated Ian Watson, Head of Cultural Services, for his efforts in retaining frontline staff from the recent restructure of the service. The Committee was informed that the appointment of a Sports Officer would not happen in the foreseeable future. However, confidence was expressed in relation to the role of the Chief Executive of Lancashire Sport Partnership Ltd; Adrian Leather, in fulfilling the needs of the County Council.

Discussions continued to take place over the future development of Lancaster Castle.

Overall, County Councillor Smith was pleased with the progress made to date in relation to the Culture and Sport Strategy.

Ian Watson gave a presentation to the Committee in relation to the County Council's Corporate Strategy for 2011-2013 and the specific target for the Cultural Services Team to achieve on making communities stronger. It was explained that the service priority for the Cultural Services Team for 2011/12 was to raise the profile of cultural opportunities. This would be measured against the number of physical visits made to public libraries. However, it was reported that since the digitalisation project began online subscriptions had grown exponentially.

Key issues from the Cultural Services business plan were highlighted to the Committee including matters related to; the recent restructure of the service, budget, regenerate programme for libraries, children's trusts, total culture programme, joint archives agreement, Lancaster Museums agreement, Lancaster Castle, public health and arts funding.

It was reported that the Cultural Services Team in conjunction with the Communications Service had created a new advertising campaign starting off in the West Lancashire District to market the library service targeting specific themes and age groups.

Rebecca Robinson, Principal Research and Intelligence Officer, outlined some of the key findings from the Living in Lancashire panel's survey on leisure and culture. Approximately, 70% of members returned their questionnaires which focused on services provided by the libraries, museums and the arts. A number of recommendations from the responses given were set out at Appendix 'B' to the report.

Members raised a number of questions and comments a summary of which is provided below:

·  Councillors had received positive feedback from local people regarding the "Regenerate" libraries programme.

·  One Councillor expressed their disappointment that a dedicated Sports Officer post would not be established in the foreseeable future. However, the Committee noted that in the current financial climate cuts in relation to Sports Officers in the Districts had meant that some District Councils were now sharing such posts.

·  Councillors raised their concerns about the lack of cultural activities in West Lancashire, the lack of museums and in particular the inadequate premises for the library at Burscough. It was reported that the library facility at Burscough was currently being rented and that officers were continually monitoring the property market in Burscough for a suitable building.

·  One Councillor asked who Museums run by the community and voluntary sector could approach to enlist advice and the additional services that the Cultural Services Team has to offer. The Committee was informed that officers were hoping to appoint someone to the post of Museums Development Officer in the near future. The intention of which would be to link all cultural sites in Lancashire together and to increase visitor numbers.

·  Concern was expressed regarding a possible risk factor in relation to the near-retirement of two conservators in the Lancashire Record Office and the need to maintain appropriate resources. It was hoped that a decision in relation to this matter would be taken in December 2011.

·  One Councillor asked what input the County Council had on the Preston Guild 2012 event. The Committee was informed that Paul Kelly, Arts and Regeneration Officer at the County Council was in regular discussions with Stella Hall, the Guild Festival Director at Preston City Council.

·  In relation to the forthcoming re-opening of the MOL, it was suggested that on the rising of the next Full Council meeting to be held on 15 December 2011, all Councillors be invited to go on a site visit to the MOL to experience the refurbished facilities.

·  A suggestion was made in relation to library cards in that they could be used as an opportunity to further market the cultural services offer.

Resolved: That;

  i.  The report be noted;

  ii.  A further report be presented to the Committee in May 2012.