State of the Borough debate - Speech on Leisure Provision by Cllr. Graham Norman - 27th July 2006 (Reigate Liberal Democrats)

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State of the Borough debate - Speech on Leisure Provision by Cllr. Graham Norman - 27th July 2006

July 27, 2006 8:00 PM
By Cllr. Graham Norman in Full Council

The Leader has posed the question, how can the Council best balance the aspirations of its residents in terms of service provision.

In my view, as important as the question is, I believe it is more important that our residents and members of this chamber have complete confidence in how and why decisions have been made.

The review of our Leisure Centres is one of the most important policy reviews under taken by this Council and yet many residents are clearly concerned as to the likely outcome.

As a member of the panel our remit was to look at what we provide, where it is provided and at what cost?

We were not there to make a decision or a recommendation but supposedly through our discussions enable the Executive Member to come to a decision that he could then recommend to his Executive.

Even though some of the panel including myself had very strong reservations, the initial political drive was clearly to see how best Leisure Centres could be provided for a minimal cost to the charge payer.

That meant Dual Use, even if it meant a reduction in available opening hours or being on an unsuitable site.

The Executive member then lost his position in the Annual Conservative Beauty contest and as the panel has not met since mid April I assume it has been disbanded by his successor.

Residents who use and support these centres have lobbied Councillors, written many letters to the press and signed petitions.

When they came to the Town Hall to ask their questions I thought they were responded to quite dismissively and one could feel the frustration and disappointment they felt.

The open meeting at the Harlequin Theatre was very well attended and I thought all those representing the Council spoke well .

When the residents were able to ask questions it became clear that there were clubs with many members who knew nothing of the consultation process.

How could that have happened?

Residents asked questions on the implications of dual use, how it would be funded.

The highway issues of access and the impact on local residents.

How in the north re locating the centre could help re generate Preston.

Answers to questions became very evasive, the Leader promised a swimming pool to those from the North.

The Executive member very quickly stated that he couldn't promise a pool! As apparently all options are open for decision.

In the face of considerable public concern, we seem to have moved from the original preferred Dual Use facilities in the North and the South with all the restrictions and difficulties, to options that include not only Dual Use, but Stand alone facilities, Dry facilities, Wet facilities, Wet and Dry facilities.

In Horley there is now the possibility of other sites being available and we are told that all these options and sites will be thoroughly reviewed in just a few weeks.

At the Harlequin meeting you could again sense the anger and frustration and some resorted to laughter at the replies they received to their valid questions and genuine concerns.

Many of the residents I have spoken to tell me they think decisions have already been made and sadly they have lost confidence in the decision making process of this Council.

I think this review could have been handled better and if residents have lost confidence in the Council I think that sadly reflects on all of us, and I find that regrettable.