As Cabinet member
I am responsible for Leisure provision, Arun is planning to build a
new Sports and swimming centre in Littlehampton, Consultants helped
us short list the possible sites down to either the existing site
(Land adjacent to the existing building) or a possible new site which
is on the A259 between the Morrison’s and the Bodyshop roundabout
at the junction where the new Lyminster by-pass will insect with the
A259.
I have been
having a running argument with Littlehampton residents who say that
they want to keep the centre at the existing site, I want to find the
best site which is why we have some experts looking at two sites and
coming up with a recommendation. I will support that recommendation
whatever decision the Consultants recomend, it will be then for
Councillors to make a decision, Many Littlehampton residents
predominantly elderly have attacked me for not taking note of their
opinion
But I have
rightly been making the case that the whole District will be paying
for the new centre so it should be the whole district that we consult
on that decision.
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| Sport England advises on the best designs for new leisure centres. |
I seem to be the
bête noire
of certain Littlehampton residents, I received considerable flack for
the cuts we had to make to Inspire Leisure’s grant which resulted
in them closing the Windmill Cinema, but with Arun’s officers help
we managed to find a new Cinema operator and persuade Inspire Leisure
to let the Windmill to this operator, The Windmill re-opened a year
and a half ago with a new community model which is now making money
rather than loosing £125,000 a year and having to be supported by Council tax payers.
I have always
been a cost cutter in my business life, I reorganised the Councils
buildings reducing them from 8 to 5 and bringing all the various
receptions to a central area with comfortable seating, electronic
queuing and television for waiting customers.
The Government
will continue to cut our grant and we need to find new ways to
deliver quality services for less money, I believe this gives us
opportunity to introduce new technological ways of servicing
residents
Until next Month,
Paul Dendle is Arundel & Walberton Ward and Cabinet member for
Leisure & Amenities on Arun DC. Email:
cllr.paul.dendle@arun.gov.uk
tel 07725359841 web site: www.pauldendle.org
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