No sense in sports plan

I am writing to support my colleague Councillor Dave Davies's comments regarding the proposal by Telford & Wrekin Council to close the swimming pool and other facilities currently available at Madeley Leisure Centre.

At a time when the population of Telford is growing extremely rapidly it makes no sense at all to reduce the number of facilities available.

Madeley pool and other facilities earmarked for closure, such as the children's soft play area, serve some of the most economically disadvantaged areas of Telford where many people experience poor health and don't have the money to use private health clubs.

At a time when we are all being encouraged to take more exercise to enjoy better health it seems ridiculous to be closing facilities.

I note that the proposed Madeley Academy School is meant to be a sports academy but it will not have a pool. Why are millions being spent on the building of this school on a green space, when it will not even be able to replace the facilities provided at its current Madeley site?

I urge the residents of Woodside, Sutton Hill, Madeley, Ironbridge and the surrounding areas to make their views known to Telford & Wrekin Council before the consultation closes on September 24.

Cllr Dylan Harrison, Madeley Parish Council, Woodside Ward