Agenda and draft minutes

None received.

To confirm, as being a correct record, the minutes of the Climate Change & Leisure Committee, held on 24 June 2026.

The committee considered the minutes of its meeting held on 24 June 2026. The Committee Officer thanked Councillor Andrea Fraser for her feedback on the minutes and confirmed that she will amend the minutes to record Councillor Fraser’s seconding of one of Councillor Kerry Milliken’s proposals in accordance with the minutes standard guidelines.

The Chair called for a vote on the minutes. On being put to the committee, the motion was declared CARRIED by the Chair, the voting being For: 6, Against: 0, Abstention: 3.

With that amendment to the minutes, the committee approved the minutes of its meeting of 24 June 2026 and authorised the Chair to sign them as a correct record.

Items of other business notified under Council Procedure Rule 30 to be announced, together with the special circumstances that justify their consideration as a matter of urgency. The Chair to rule on the admission of such items.

There were no items of other business.

To receive any declarations of interest.

Councillor Mike Sims declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 5 – RSK Asbestos, as a member of the Rickmansworth and District Residents’ Association. Councillor Sims advised that he had collated a number of questions and submitted them to Councillor Chris Lloyd on behalf of residents.

Presentation by Sara Blackmore, Associate Director – Technical from RSK Asbestos.

The Director of Finance introduced Sara Blackmore from RSK Asbestos who delivered a presentation covering the following points:

Ø  Brief Introduction to Asbestos & Risk

·        What is asbestos

·        Types of Products

·        Relative Risk

·        Uses of Asbestos

·        Health Effects

Ø  Duty to Manage and Legal Responsibilities

·        The Duty to Manage

·        Legislation & Guidance

·        Managing the Risk

·        Prosecutions

Ø  The Asbestos at the Aquadrome

Councillor Mike Sims asked the Chair how the committee can take a note of the 16 questions from the residents that had been submitted in writing and the answers received. The Director of Finance responded confirming that they can be recorded in the minutes of the meeting. Action – Committee Officer to include the questions in the minutes.

The Chair also requested that the questions and the presentation slides be published on the relevant section of the Council’s website, so they can be available this week before the public meeting the following week. Action – TRDC Leisure Officers.

The following questions were raised by members:

1. If there wasn't public interference, would the RSK recommendation of a higher and more robust permanent fence still be maintained? 

Response:

The RSK representative explained that first they need to establish where the risk lies. If the public is kept away, there is no risk to them, which is the main priority. Therefore, to conclude that the action was not warranted, there would need to be a guarantee that there was no potential for asbestos exposure or spread.

2. If an improved visitor experience increases attendance ten times more, could it worsen the problem enough to justify reconsidering the entire Aquadrome project?

Response:

Officers clarified that the Aquadrome project is not intended to increase visitor numbers. Its aim is to balance the site’s biodiversity with the needs of visitors while improving accessibility. Visitors will be encouraged to use designated pathways and avoid high-risk areas. The project’s vision has always focused on enhancement and balance, and this approach is fully supported by the Lottery. When members of the public ignore temporary fencing or safety warnings, the Council has a duty to act. Following the recent incursion, access must be firmly restricted to high-risk areas to keep the public safe.

3. At the last closed meeting with RSK Asbestos, councillors asked to see the brief the Council had provided to them, but the committee has not yet received it. Councillors also requested examples of RSK Asbestos’ work with other councils on similar issues, and these have also not been received. Councillor Fraser clarified here her understanding of the legal case of James Pitt and Sean Thomas Faulkner (cited in the presentation), were convicted not because of the asbestos risk itself, but because they had falsified documents and falsely told the HSC that they had complied.

Response:

Officers explained that RSK Asbestos are contracted to help officers to develop the asbestos management plan. That asbestos management plan shows the extent of the work RSK are doing with officers. The summary of the brief has been published. Officers appointed RSK, given  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

Recommendation

That: The report be noted.

The Head of Communications, Customer & Culture introduced himself and his colleague, Tom Harrop, Watersmeet Theatre Manager.

The Watersmeet Theatre Manager delivered a presentation.

The Chair requested further information on how to navigate to the business plan on the Watersmeet Theatre website. The officer explained that one of the main changes that he wanted to implement was to make the website more accessible and user friendly. The officer then explained that the business plan can be found under the About Us menu option. The Chair requested that the link to the business plan is included in the minutes.

About Us | Watersmeet

Link to the Business Plan:

https://irp.cdn-website.com/1eebd979/files/uploaded/WATERSMEET_BUSINESS_PLAN_FINAL.pdf

Members inquired about financial information and whether the presentation should have included a brief income and expenditure summary, broken down by key categories, to help the committee understand the theatre’s financial position. The Head of Communications, Customer & Culture explained that budget information is available through the budget monitoring process and in greater detail within the business plan. Officers acknowledged that the business plan could be made more visible on the website. It was agreed that a summary breakdown of income streams, such as ticket sales and secondary sales will be shared with the committee. Action – Head of Communications, Customer & Culture.

The Watersmeet Theatre Manager emphasised the importance of using trackable information to guide both marketing and venue management. Data reporting is being strengthened, including for the pantomime, and this approach will be developed further. The officer also confirmed that a financial summary would be included in the next annual review presentation when it comes before the committee next year. Action – Watersmeet Theatre Manager.

Members questioned the projected £15,000 cost to the Council and asked whether the theatre should aim to break even, and ideally make a profit, particularly, after 50 years of operation. The officer explained that UK theatre programming is planned 12 to 18 months in advance. The 2027 programme had been inherited and was already fixed, while bookings now being made are primarily for 2028. Future plans will prioritise a stronger programme, with fewer single-night productions and more two-night runs, followed by venue hire opportunities. The officer also highlighted the three options for proposed income initiatives:

Sponsor a Seat: a sponsoring scheme that could generate around £30,000 in its first year, based on experience at comparable UK venues, although this level of income will not recure annually.

Restoration Levy: a clearly identified levy would be added separately to ticket prices and ring fenced for venue improvements. This would help strengthen the venue’s financial resilience and reduce the cost to the Council.

Order at Seat: an at-seat ordering service would expand the bar offer and provide a premium customer experience, creating an additional source of revenue.

Members noted that establishing the theatre as a trust could provide business rates relief, and they requested more detailed budget monitoring, including a breakdown of income from memberships, pantomime, films and other events.

Officers explained that each governance model, including a trust, had  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

To receive the Committee’s work programme.

The Chair noted that several items were missing from the work programme and asked officers to review it. Officers confirmed that the Climate Change and Sustainability Bi-annual report would be scheduled for the next committee in December and again in May. Action – Committee Officer to add to the work programme.

The Chair requested the following items be added:

• Everyone Active report 2027
• Watersmeet Theatre Annual Review 2027
• Alternative Grassland Management review
• All recurring Budget Monitoring reports

Officers confirmed that the Grassland Management review would be added with a ‘to be confirmed’ on the work programme. Officers are currently prioritising the lottery bid, but a verbal update on the review plan would be provided in December. Action – Committee Officer to add to the work programme.

Members asked whether the alternative Grassland Management item was the same as the Green Space Strategy. Officers explained that they were separate but linked to each other. The Green Space Strategy was expected early next year, the Alternative Grassland Management review arose from a Council motion, therefore requiring a different process. Officers would return with recommendations, but any proposal for changing the motion would need to be approved by Full Council. Officers confirmed that a verbal update in December would set out how the Alternative Grassland Management review would be undertaken and a timetable.

Members asked about adding the Parking on the Green item, but officers advised that this item falls within the remit of the General Public Services & Community Engagement Committee, which would need to request any report. The Chair agreed to contact the Chair of that committee. Action – Councillor Chris Lloyd.

The Chair emphasised that the work programme should show items coming to the committee for the full year ahead.

Officers confirmed that the Panto Gala Night, formerly known as Civic Night, was scheduled for 5 December.

The committee noted the work programme.

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