KNOTTINGLEY SPORTS CENTRE
AND SWIMMING POOL
ADDED 6 FEBRUARY 2007
In reply to Councillor Stokes letter in the January 2007 issue of the
Knottingley Digest magazine, I would like to make a few points of my own
regarding the proposed closure of Knottingley Sports Centre and Swimming
Pool.
I am the person responsible for starting a petition against the proposed
closure, which is now nearing 1,000 signatures. As you know, Councillor
Stokes, I have never said the closure was imminent, I am simply raising
public awareness of the fact that it has been raised as a point for
debate.
The “Sports Strategy” printed by the Wakefield Metropolitan District
Council, clearly states (and I quote):
“There is potential to close Knottingley Sports Centre and Pool, given
that there is a new facility being developed at Knottingley High School”.
The document also says:
“There is no provision for a pool at Knottingley High School”.
Subsequently, if, after discussion by WMDC, a decision is reached to close
the Sports Centre and Pool and relocate to Knottingley High School, there
will be NO swimming pool in Knottingley!!
So the facts are in black and white - the subject of closure is open for
discussion and a decision will be made shortly and put into practise over
the next five years, according to Mr. John E. Foster, Chief Executive of
WMDC.
When you say “There is no need to worry, nothing will happen in the
next 6-10 years”, I think you have miscalculated. The questionnaire
which came out with the “Sports Strategy” booklet clearly states that the
time span for the project is 2006-2012, which if I have done my maths
correctly leaves us with 5 years.
I did not, as you describe, put 2 and 2 together and come up with 5, I
merely acted on the information I had been given by the WMDC. The Sports
Centre and Pool are under threat and I will continue with my petition and
raising public awareness for as long as the threat is there.
I await with baited breath the “Action Plan”, which I understand is
due to be published imminently and I hope it holds plans for
refurbishment, regeneration, and support for our Sports Centre and Pool.
Then our new “Service Director for Sport”, Lisa Dodd, can go ahead
with her plans to (and I quote):
“Improve people’s lives, health and lifestyles through sport and
physical activity.”
Let us see the Council practise what they preach, for all the children,
adults, OAP’s, students, and anyone else who uses our Sports Centre and
Pool.
Rachel M. McConnachie
6 February 2007
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