Decision details

To confirm opening hours of community centres during the 2015 Christmas and New Year Period

The operating hours of community centres during the Christmas and New Year period to be: Wed 23rd Dec 2015 - Open; Thurs 24th Dec to Mon 28th Dec 2015 - Closed; Tues 29th Dec 2015 - Open; Wed 30th Dec 2015 - Open; Thurs 31st Dec 2015 to Fri 1st Jan 2016 - Closed; Sat 2nd Jan 2016 - Open

Previously reports have shown relatively poor income and attendances over the Christmas and New Year period as most regular and block bookings do not attend and generally usage is low. Due to this, the centres have traditionally reduced their normal opening hours together with closure at the bank holidays. Operating a reduced service over this period allows staff to take annual leave without the need to provide cover and it is possible to minimise the disruption to the customers from any maintenance work. It therefore seems sensible in both operational and business terms. There were no complaints about the operating times last year.

The alternative would be to close the centres for the Bank Holidays only and open 24th and 31st December; however, it is likely that most groups will cancel on these days. It may not be possible to accommodate additional opening within the approved base budget.