The consultation began on Monday 3^rd October and will extend for 12 weeks until Friday 23^rd December.

All responses are important to us. At the end of the consultation all responses will be summarised and presented in a report to the County Council Cabinet to enable a decision to be taken.

At present no decision to make a change has been made. However if the Cabinet make a decision to change it is important the needs of schools and other hirers are properly considered and handled in a way that causes minimum disruption. If you have a confirmed booking this will be honoured.

The Service is on a continual drive to reduce costs and at the same time raise income levels by improving its range of services, e.g. we now have tailored challenge packages for leadership and team building, and archery and canoeing for people with disabilities. New social events include Pie Nights, Guided Tours of Beaumanor and Cream Teas on Sundays

Most of the costs are tied up in the premises we operate from. The other large part of our costs relate to  staff. Their expertise is essential to the successful operation of the Service

Our Centres are primarily for Leicestershire schools but are open to others subject to availability.

Visit the Outdoor and Residential Learning Service web page- or telephone Mr Alan Jacobs on 01509 890119

Yes, but the position may be reviewed after the Cabinet has considered the results of the consultation.

At this moment no decision has been taken to close any Centre. If following the consultation Cabinet proposes to close a Centre, an action plan would have to be prepared to enable this to happen. This will allow time to review bookings and other commitments relating to each Centre.

We are continually striving to make each Centre run cost effectively and continue to explore ways this can be achieved. However we welcome your further suggestions particularly in relation to how the running costs of our buildings can be reduced

This would be unlikely on the current basis as our costs would continue to rise.

Some price increases to keep pace with inflation are necessary, however our Service needs to remain competitive and any increases above the rate of inflation may not be beneficial.

Overall the Centres operate at a deficit but this varies from one establishment to another dependent on the number of bookings in a given year.

No decisions have been made at this moment in time.

There are a complex set of factors to consider e.g. all of our Centres operate in a competitive market and provide services that are in demand locally. Their locations are also important and there is a balance to be struck between having a well positioned Centre with good learning opportunities around it and the distance people are prepared to travel to access these.

Our Centres are actively and strongly marketed although it must be recognised we are currently operating in a very difficult economic climate.

Following the wide-ranging consultation with stakeholders, a report detailing the findings will be presented to the County Council Cabinet early in 2012, to enable a decision on the way forward to be agreed. We will publish a summary of the consultation responses and will also advise schools and key stakeholders of the decision.

Please bear in mind that no decision will be taken until we have heard what you think and the Cabinet has considered all responses.