TORY SAYS "NO" TO HEALTH SUITE APPEAL

4.26.00pm GMT Fri 1st Dec 2006

Spenborough Pool

• Spen's Health Suite to remain closed despite last ditch calls for cash injection at council meeting

Cllr Ann Raistrick (Lib Dem, Cleckheaton Ward) is disappointed that the Tory Member responsible for regeneration in Kirklees (Cllr Ken Sims) has denied her calls for the council to provide extra cash to save the Health Suite at Spenborough Pool.

At last week's council meeting (1), Cllr Raistrick asked Cllr Sims to release funding from council coffers to form a joint rescue package with Spen Valley Area Committee which would allow essential repairs to be undertaken and the facility to remain open.

Cllr Sims replied that he would not release the required funding.

"There has been a well reported campaign on the closure of the health suite and sauna at Spen Pool. The negative response of the cabinet member is a real blow for everyone involved".

"I questioned the numbers regarding levels of usage and the cost of repairs, but to no avail. I have subsequently made a request under the Freedom of Information Act but cannot be certain as to whether this information will be of any real use".

"It looks like the closure is permanent at the moment"

"In my view, the whole episode has been badly handled. Cllr Sims admitted as much when he agreed that the consultation on the future of the health suite had not been conducted as it should".