Agenda item - Public Involvement

To consider the following matters raised by members of the public:

(a)          Petitions:  

To receive any petitions presented by members of the public.

(b)          Written Questions:

To receive any questions submitted by the due date of 12 noon on the 16 April 2025

(c)          Deputations:              

To receive any deputations submitted by the due date of 10am on the 10 April 2025

(a)          Petitions

1)            Basketball Hoop in Queen’s Park

188.1   Cabinet considered a petition signed by 28 people requesting a new basketball hoop in Queen’s Park.

188.2   Councillor Robins provided the following written reply:

"The council completed a refurbishment of the play areas in this park in December 2024, investing £287,000. These works were part of the wider Playground Programme which invested over £4m into 45 parks across the city.

Currently there is no further funding available for installing a basketball hoop at this site. The council is however committed to working with the local community and Friends Group to review the viability of securing investment in the play area in the future and will look to identify what potential funding routes could be explored via S106 and other potential internal funds. Ward Councillors have been made aware of this request and will be able to consider funding through the opportunity of Neighbourhood CIL.

The Council have recently commissioned a Playing Pitch Strategy which has outlined the needs for residents in terms of sports space. Through local insight and consultation, the council is aware that basketball is a popular sport for our residents and young people and is constantly reviewing where existing facilities can be improved and/or new ones provided to meet local need and promote an active lifestyle for all.

Further to this we will be conducting consultation across the East of the city in the next year to explore emerging sports priorities from residents, and to identify any gaps, so that we can build these into our plans for any future investment in East Brighton.

In the meantime, there is a full-sized basketball court (MUGA) located at Tarner Park (0.3 miles/8-minute walk) which will also have lighting installed to allow for increased usage all year-round".

188.3   Resolved- That Cabinet note the petition.