Councillors fear for future of Meres leisure centre

At a recent meeting with SKDC Cabinet member Cllr Helen Goral, Labour Group members put their views forward on hearing the news that the future of the Meres Leisure Centre is to be considered.

The Labour Group expressed strong opposition to the potential loss of the Meres Leisure Centre. On being advised a Public Consultation is to take place Group members felt it important to consider how the Consultation would be worded and what the scope of the Consultation would be.

Labour leader Cllr Charmaine Morgan said: “It is important that we understand what local people want before making decisions over existing amenities. Looking at future plans for the Meres before doing that would put the cart before the horse. It would also be wrong to raise expectations if there is neither the budget or an appropriate site for plans.”

Cllr Lee Steptoe said that the Consultation should not include an option to close The Meres which provides a valuable accessible amenity for one of the County’s most deprived estates.

Cllr Charmaine Morgan said: “We need to look at the needs of our growing community as a whole. Closing the Meres is not an acceptable solution. Money spent on repairs would be an investment if it means the wide range of leisure amenities available can continue, or be enhanced.

“Initiatives that make the site more environmental friendly, more economical to run or which bring income to SKDC, provided amenities remain affordable, would be welcome.

“The popularity of the site is clear. If anything it is difficult to get to swim at times due to the high number of classes and club activities.

“People living on the other side of Grantham have to travel across the town to access the Meres facilities. It would be appropriate to look at how we can improve sports and leisure amenities for residents on the Harrowby Estate and in the centre of town, such as those living near the Railway area and St Vincents Ward.

“The parks are a huge asset and valuable resource. Further restoration and improvement of sports and leisure facilities are needed. For example a number of residents have reminisced over the use of Wyndham Parks outdoor pool. A new boating lake could be provided and the outdoor pool restored and heated, for use in the summer.

“The skate park in Wyndham Park has been removed. Stamford and Melton Mowbray offer this amenity for young people. Grantham is growing. There will be more demand for such facilities rather than less. They should be affordable and accessible. When you look at the play facilities

Cllr Morgan said: “It is also important to consider the value of Grantham’s existing green open spaces for leisure and sports as well as their benefit to public health. It is hugely concerning that in its bid to provide new homes quickly SKDC has been earmarking smaller green spaces and play areas across Grantham for development, for example land on Earlesfield estate and the site off Barrowby Road.

“The Alma Park tennis facility is popular but was built on green open space. These sites are becoming scarce and if we are to prevent dense urban sprawl they should be protected from development.

“SKDC will consider its Core Strategy it is important that the views of people are built into it. Planning should not only be about houses but also the protection of public health.

Members of the Economic Development and Corporate Services committee were advised at their meeting on Tuesday 20 November 2019 that proposals would be put before them at the next meeting.

 A spokesperson for South Kesteven District Council said: “SKDC remains committed to a programme of improvements to the leisure provision in Grantham. We are not looking to reduce or withdraw facilities but provide our residents and visitors with a leisure offering fit for purpose.

“No decisions have been made on the future of Meres Leisure Centre and leisure provision in Grantham and a public consultation will take place, the outcome of which will help inform the final decision.

“A feasibility study is also being carried out and any decisions about improvements will be supported by a robust business case.

“SKDC is aware of the local and regional importance of the Meres Leisure Centre, and anything we do regarding leisure provision at the Meres and in the wider Grantham area will be an improvement on what is currently available.”