Agenda item

Context:

To provide feedback on Velothon Wales 2016.

Key Issues:

·         On Thursday 19 November 2015, Council agreed to support the 2016 Velothon to enable the route to travel through Monmouthshire having received assurances that the route would be amended and that extensive consultation and communication with those affected will be at the centre of their work leading up to the event.

·         An operational delivery steering group was established to oversee the planning of this year’s event. The group had representation from all five Local Authorities, emergency services, Welsh Government, British Cycling, Run4Wales and key delivery partners. Additional subgroups were established to look specifically at Marketing and Communication, Race Logistics and Event Logistics.

·         Monmouthshire also established an additional ‘Internal Service Disruption’ group that developed arrangements for use by County Council representatives at the Velothon 2016 Event Control. The group prepared a document which detailed the County Council services disrupted by the Velothon, arrangements agreed in relation to service continuity, event ‘Command and Control’ structures, ELAPS points, key contact details and how these would dovetail into existing major incident arrangements if a significant event occurred.

·         In order to ensure that lessons from the Velothon Wales 2016 are fully captured and that actions are implemented to help improve organisational planning and event management, Monmouthshire County Council compiled feedback from its stakeholders and partners to provide feedback to the organisers.

·         The event organisation for 2016 was a significant improvement on the previous year. However, concerns still remain around the length of the road closures, lack of toilet facilities, litter and the benefits of hosting the race to our County. These issues have been discussed at Council at both its July and September 2016 meetings. As a result, it was agreed that the Council would only support next year’s event if the roads were reopened following the mass participation race and a rolling road closure was put in place for the pro race. In addition the organisers would need to reinforce with participants that they must not urinate on the sides of roads and provide sufficient facilities to ensure that this behaviour would not be necessary. Officers are working with the Velothon organisers to deliver these requirements.

Member Scrutiny

Having considered the report, the following points were raised:

·         A Member asked what benefits the Velothon brought to Monmouthshire constituents.  The Head of Community Led Delivery explained that this point was highlightedas a concern in the report.  It was noted thatCardiff mainly benefits as it is the race start and finish point.  It was added that there are less tangible benefits in Monmouthshire.  The example was provided that race participants practice in the area and may stop for breaks potentially using local businesses.  They may return to the area as visitors but there is no hard evidence to support economic benefit.  The importance of obtaining evidence of economic benefit was emphasised to support the Council’s decision to continue involvement with the event. 

·         In response to a question, it was confirmed that rolling road closures will be operated for the 2017 event.  An update was also provided that a shortened route will be available for those participants who wish to avoid The Tumble or the Blorenge.  Members were advised of the amended route. It was reported that the Local Member agrees with the plans for the shortened route.  The organisers have been requested to engage in early talks with any businesses that may be affected, and assurances have also been sought that the road is reopened as soon as the mass participant race goes through.  It was noted that the organisers have met the requirements imposed by Council so the race will proceed through the County in 2017, and all Members will be informed.

·         A Member commented that the report deals with problems and solutions, and queried why the event, and developing the County as a cycling destination, was being supported.  The Strategic Food and Tourism Manager explained that cycling tourism is recognised as a growth market and the County has been identified as a popular destination for cycling evidenced by the number of cyclists visible on our roads.  It was explained that there is a Strategic Cycling Group that discusses opportunities to develop the product offer to provide cyclists with a positive experience.  It was added that work has been undertaken as part of a regional project to develop a toolkit to identify opportunities to progress cyclist tourism within businesses including identification of any barriers.  It was repeated that it is essential to establish proof of economic benefit to support development of the County as a high quality cycling destination.  It was agreed that a report on the topic of developing cycling tourism in South East Wales would be circulated. The report explores opportunities for the future and how we can facilitate market growth.

·         It was suggested that it was insufficient to solely acknowledge feedback as recommended in the report.  The Chair clarified the scrutiny role of the committee and its ability to add value, suggestions and recommendations.  It was commented that there was not enough data to provide reassurance and of the need to consider return on investment, the impact on resources, and future benefits being brought back to the County.  It was agreed to request that Welsh Government and Run4Wales conduct economic analysis of the event to provide data to be included at a future meeting.  It was also agreed to consider the report on the development of cycling tourism at the next meeting to enable a cost benefit analysis to be undertaken.

·         A Member raised concerns about the growth in cycling and motorcycling in the County, and some of the negative effects on residents.  It was commented that, whilst supporting both activities, and appreciating the benefits for businesses in the County, information on the cost benefits of activities and events is required to provide justification to those inconvenienced. 

·         The Cabinet Member explained that it will be difficult to compile anything other than anecdotal evidence of economic benefit and that, for the Velothon to continue beyond 2017, there will be a requirement for the organisers to provide substantial evidence of the return from the event in future.

·         It was commented that the health benefits of cycling, and the event inspiring young people to participate, were important aspects to consider.

·         A Member commented that television coverage showcasing the Monmouthshire countryside was good advertising but added that not all of the County (e.g. Monmouth) receives benefits from the event.

·         The work of Officers involved in the event was recognised.