Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no declarations of interest.

Purpose of report   

This report provides a summary of the scope of the Culture, Leisure and Regulatory Services Directorate Business Plan.

RECOMMENDED

That the Cabinet Member for Culture, Regeneration and Economic Development approves the service strategies set out in the business plan.

James Daly, Cultural Development and Projects Officer, presented the report on behalf of Claire Watkins who was on annual leave.

The Cabinet Member and members acknowledged all the work that has gone into this plan and in particular thanked Claire Watkins for this piece of work.

DECISION: The Cabinet Member approved the service strategies set out in the business plan.

Purpose of report

To advise on a revised and updated Metal Detecting Policy including magnet fishing within the same policy as such an activity has similar archaeological outcomes and health and safety considerations within public spaces.

RECOMMENDED

To approve the revised Metal Detecting Policy with the inclusion of Magnet Fishing within the same policy.

Mark Collings, Seafront Operations Officer introduced the report.

In response to a question, Mr Collings said the biggest difference with magnet fishing was the size of the magnet and if this was not attached properly this could be a health and safety issue.

The Cabinet Member said he had seen this in action in other local authority areas and the disruption to the natural environment from magnet fishing can be quite extreme.

DECISION: The Cabinet Member approved the revised Metal Detecting Policy with the inclusion of Magnet Fishing within the same policy.

Purpose of report

(1)  To update on activity related to the seafront arts project.

(2)  To agree on the next phase of the project.

RECOMMENDED

(1)  That the Cabinet Member for Culture, Regeneration and Economic Development approves the proposed 'Navigate' public art project which has been developed as part of the Southsea Coastal Scheme's enhancements programme.

(2)  That the Cabinet Member for Culture, Regeneration and Economic Development approves the use of a public consultation process to help inform the selection of the scheme's signature artwork for Serpentine Square.

Harry Scott, Seafront Arts Programme Officer introduced the report and pointed out one typo on page 131 of the reports pack; the young explorers programme element is budgeted at £10,000 (not £12,000).

The Cabinet Member said this was a very exciting project and said he looked forward to seeing what comes forward.    

DECISION:

(1)  The Cabinet Member approved the proposed 'Navigate' public art project which has been developed as part of the Southsea Coastal Scheme's enhancements programme.

(2)  The Cabinet Member approved the use of a public consultation process to help inform the selection of the scheme's signature artwork for Serpentine Square.

Purpose of report   

Following the appointment of a new School Library Service Manager in April 2024 and the launch of the 2024-26 SLA, this report provides an update to The Leader on the current position of the service, including the level of 'buy-back' from schools in the city.

Lisa Howard, Schools Library Services  Manager presented the report.

Members noted that this was vital work the team were doing and said if there was anything they could do as ward members to help encourage schools to improve reading to get in touch.

The Cabinet Member noted the report.

Purpose

To provide an update of the Portsmouth Community Lottery.

Catherine Ramsay, Business Development & Projects Manager introduced the report.

The Cabinet Member said this was a great way to support local good causes and encouraged members to sign up if they had not already.

The Cabinet Member noted the report.

Purpose

Summarises the forthcoming "Hidden D-Day" project (working title) in association with The Portsmouth D-Day Museum Trust, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF). Working with volunteers, the project will survey locations in the Hampshire countryside where troops camped before departing for Normandy, both before and after D-Day. It will also make available to a general audience, information about which troops were based at which camps and when.

Ross Fairbrother, D Day Story Manger, presented the report.

The Cabinet Member said this was an important piece of work.  The troops had a lasting impact on the villages and hamlets they were based in and around, so it is important to map that for future generations.

In response to a question, Mr Fairbrother said the main output is the website which would enable a member of the public to search for their relative to find out where they were stationed before they headed over to Normandy.  If the location is publicly accessible, they could then go and visit it. Members felt that a visual representation would be useful such as an interactive map and M Fairbrother said there would be an opportunity for that as part of the outreach work.

The Cabinet Member noted the report.