Neath Port Talbot Sports Council Statement

To all Affiliated Clubs,
2nd February 2010

Dear Colleagues,

Following my attendance at an Afan Lido user forum on January 20th called by Celtic Community Leisure in relation to the recent fire, I was mandated to approach the Local Authority regarding Club equipment “locked in “the Afan Lido since the fire. I contacted Russell Ward the following day and was advised of the following.

1. Clubs with equipment in the “wet side” should make alternative arrangements if required to replace their equipment as even if it was not fire damaged, it would not be returned due to contamination within the area.

2. Clubs with equipment in the “dry side” should not act to replace their equipment at this stage as contamination tests were ongoing. To date 50 swab tests had been undertaken, with further tests to take place. If these tests prove that the areas were not contaminated, Clubs would be contacted to arrange collection of their equipment.

3. The possible reopening of any of the Afan Lido building was seen to be a considerable time away.

4. A meeting with Afan Lido A.F.C. was scheduled for 22nd January to discuss reinstatement of services to that Club.

5. The Indoor Bowls facility was opened on 21st January and a C.C.L. employee would be on site during opening times.

6. A meeting is to be convened with Local Authority representatives in an effort to ascertain if any Community Centres had “free time” to accommodate Clubs that previously used the Lido.

Neither the Local Authority or Celtic Community Leisure insurance covers Club equipment stored on site.

It appears that few if any Clubs had their own insurance cover for equipment stored at this Leisure Centre. Clubs with equipment stored at other Leisure Centres obviously need to ensure that they have their own insurance cover in place. Clubs having equipment stored at Schools and Community Centres will probably be in a similar position and should check if they require their own cover.

Clubs using the Afan Lido that lost equipment and were not insured should seek advice from The Sports Council for Wales if this loss means that the Club will not be able to survive.

There have been a number of thefts of sports equipment from storage containers and outbuildings in the locality. Specialist cutting equipment is being used to gain entry and Police suspect they are being carried out by an organised gang. I have been requested to pass on this information by a number of Clubs.

Please note that the PASS office has now been relocated to;

PASS,
Library Headquarters,
Reginald Street,
Port Talbot
SA13 1YY

All District Sports Council correspondence should be sent to this address.

Yours sincerely,
Hugh Williams
Secretary