Letters: Rutland residents respond to decision to close Catmose Sports Centre in Oakham
Our letter writers respond to a decision to close Catmose Sports Centre in Oakham.
The Liberal Democrat Group on Rutland County Council is astounded at the way this Tory-Independent coalition administration has conducted itself over its decision to close Catmose Sports Centre.
Some 906 paying members and far more paying guests and various sports clubs are now set to lose a superb local facility.
This is another example of what we, as Lib Dem councillors, have been repeatedly told by our electors - that they are fed up with decisions made behind closed doors.
This council has trumpeted its aim of transparency in government, yet this decision has been (as have others) made in a ‘closed session’ of cabinet (the group of six Conservative and Independent councillors who form Rutland’s administration).
Further, ongoing discussions on Catmose Sports Centre have been led by a project board which neither meets in public nor provides public minutes. This project board includes one Independent and one Conservative councillor.
Rutland County Council’s press release on the closure of Catmose Sports Centre seeks to imply that cabinet had the approval of the cross-party scrutiny committee (a committee of the council that helps develop policy and challenges the administration’s policies). This is far from the truth. At a meeting in December the scrutiny committee made it clear that its preferred option was that Catmose Sports Centre remains open for two years to enable all options for long-term provision to be explored. Instead cabinet chose the most convenient, nuclear option - to close the centre.
As Liberal Democrats we appeal to this administration to reconsider its decision. It can do this if three of the cabinet members present a motion to reconsider. Come on, listen to your public!
Councillors Gale Waller, Paul Browne, Joanna Burrows, Stephen Lambert, Abi MacCartney and Raymond Payne from Rutland County Council Liberal Democrat Group
Along with many other residents in Oakham and the surrounding villages I was absolutely disgusted to hear that Rutland County Council has decided to no longer support the Catmose swimming pool and sports centre.
Quite frankly the fact that Rutland is the only county in England without a public swimming pool is appalling!
As I understand it the council is intending to spend a significant amount of money on upgrading the museum.
What the local residents need is a public swimming pool coupled with a physical fitness centre, and not at Ashwell.
Allan P Goodwin
Barleythorpe
I am not a member of the centre but I know many who are, who attend for the benefit of their health and socially and I understand some are referred by their GP.
Alicia Kearns has praised the levelling up fund and what it will do for the County but why wasn’t the swimming pool and sports centre included in the application.
On the one hand we will have Medi Tech based at the hospital - to improve the health of many (an excellent idea) but on the other hand Rutland County Council will deprive those who look after their own health by closing the Sports Centre.
I have written to Rutland County Council to suggest that the Centre should be kept open for at least a further 12 months as two months’ notice is not enough but I don’t expect them to take any notice.
Sheila Drake
Oakham
Not only do you get the highest council tax in the country, 17 per cent above the national average, you also can also enjoy:
No public swimming pool
No cinema
No theatre
A council tip that requires numberplate recognition to gain access
And now they are closing the leisure centre.
Irresistible!
John Fowler
by email
