FOI request (FOIR-678540997)

Accidents in council-operated sports centres

Requested Tue 14 January 2025
Responded Thu 13 March 2025

I am requesting this information under the Freedom of Information Act. The data I would like to receive is for the calendar years 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, so please provide a breakdown by calendar year (in addition to a total number accounting for all years) for all questions below:

1. How many accidents occurred at council-owned or council-operated sports centres, leisure centres, gyms, or sports pitches? As well as a yearly breakdown, please provide the location and nature of injury for each incident.

2. How much was spent on repairs to the above facilities?

3. How many legal claims were lodged against the council relating to injuries suffered at any of the above facilities in the past five calendar years?

4. Of those, how many were settled, refused, or remain ongoing?

5. How much compensation has the council paid for claims relating to injuries suffered at any of the above facilities?

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Response

Please accept my apologies for the delay in responding.

1. How many accidents occurred at council-owned or council-operated sports centres, leisure centres, gyms, or sports pitches? As well as a yearly breakdown, please provide the location and nature of injury for each incident.

Information not held in relation to Sports Centres, Leisure Centres and Gyms. This will be held by Freedom Leisure.

2020 - 1 accident - football player injured by exposed pipe at Tilekiln Playing Fields.

2021 - No accidents recorded.

2022 - No accidents recorded.

2023 - No accidents recorded.

2024 - 1 accident reported - player injured by animal burrow hole at Bexhill Road recreation ground.

No other accidents recorded at any Hastings Borough Council managed outdoor sports facilities.

2. How much was spent on repairs to the above facilities?

2020 - £21,974.22

2021 - £45,768.19

2022 - £35,926.84

2023 - £97,698.40

2024 - £31,838.08

3. How many legal claims were lodged against the council relating to injuries suffered at any of the above facilities in the past five calendar years?

None

4. Of those, how many were settled, refused, or remain ongoing?

1 settled, 1 repudiated and closed.

5. How much compensation has the council paid for claims relating to injuries suffered at any of the above facilities?

The damages paid were £11,000, of which the Council paid the standard excess on a claim of £5,000.