Gedling Borough Council (GBC) have retrospectively approved a £27,000 lease agreement with Gedling Indoor Bowls Club (GIBC)
The approval relates to a 12-month lease with GIBC for the period April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024 for the use of the Richard Herrod Centre with an annual rent set at £27,000.
Published documents including a report from the Head of Communications and Leisure dated March 10 recommended that ‘A 12 month lease is entered into with Gedling Indoor Bowls Club for 1 April
2023 to 31 March 2024 with annual rent set at £27,000′.
The decision was formerly made on May 10.
GBC website and published document(s) state:
‘Alongside many local community organisations GIBC has been adversely
affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Lockdown meant enforced closure of
the indoor bowls rink at Richard Herrod Centre that GIBC leases from the
Council. This affected the Club’s income significantly during that period.
The pandemic has also had an adverse effect on the confidence and
health of participants who previously attended the Club, resulting in a
reduced membership since 2019 of nearly 200 people. Nonetheless the
Club still has over 200 members as of January 2023 and other members of the public attending the venue via pay and play.’
The document(s) reveal a history of support for GIBC from GBC as follows:
Since 2021 Council officers have been has been engaging with GIBC to
understand the Club’s ongoing financial situation and other needs as a
Club. Support that has been offered to the Club by the Council during this period has included Covid-19 recovery support for GIBC, including £34,600 business grants (Covid business support grant and Covid business restart grant), 100% discretionary business rate relief and £20,250 rent reduction for October 2021 to September 2022.
This financial support by the Council has enabled GIBC to continue
operating during a very challenging period financially for the Club and
provided the opportunity for over 200 people to return to physical and
social activity after requirements to isolate and shield as a result of Covid19 came to an end. The Club has reported both the physical and mental health and wellbeing benefits of this return, including helping to address loneliness and isolation amongst the older Members.
The equalities implications in the published report advise that GIBC has 139 members who are residents of the Borough and the Club reports the majority are over 75 years old. Consultation with the Club Committee has identified that 95% of its members may stop bowling if the Club folded rather than participate elsewhere. If the Club decides to
close this will have a detrimental effect on some older and more vulnerable residents. Without the presence of GIBC the viability of Disability Bowls continuing to identify Richard Herrod at its base for participation may also be in doubt.
The ongoing financial support offered by this decision will enable the
Bowls Club to continue operations for a further 12 months offering health
and wellbeing benefits for both older people and those with a disability.
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE said to Gedling Eye that “We know how important the Gedling Indoor Bowls Club at the Richard Herrod Centre is, both for the club itself and the positive impact it has on the health and wellbeing of its members. The club provides physical and social activities, while also tackling issues such as loneliness and isolation.
“Like many other community organisations, the club faced significant challenges during the pandemic, resulting in a decline in membership and a strain on its finances. The council has recognised this when agreeing the new lease for the next year which supports the club as it considers how it needs to recover so it can overcome these challenges and continue to be a valuable asset to the community.”
The above information and full decision details published on May 10 are available on the GBC website – https://democracy.gedling.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?Id=1406 .
