U-turn for school sports centre merger with council (From Mid Devon Star)
Get involved! Send your photos, video, news & views by texting DEVON NEWS to 80360 or email us
U-turn for school sports centre merger with council
7:00am Friday 2nd November 2012 in News
UNSUCCESSFUL plans to re-home sports clubs in Crediton have been described as “disappointing” by a district councillor.
Governors at Queen Elizabeth Academy refused to enter a formal agreement with Mid Devon District Council last week to accommodate sports clubs which can no longer be based at Lords Meadow Centre.
They decided to continue offering the spare room at the sports hall to any group which approaches them under their current bookings schedule, but not in conjunction with the council.
Governors stressed that while they are committed to developing sports facilities in Crediton they felt sticking to their current system was the only way they can operate as an academy.
Cllr Bob Deed, cabinet member for community well-being, said: “We were prepared to pay rent, and provide the school with staff, bookings and a team to run the sports hall, so the decision is disappointing.
“It had caused so much excitement in Crediton, but I wish them well, and we now have to sit down and rethink what to do at Lords Meadow which is best for the council and the taxpayers.”
Dave Powlesland, of Crediton PUMA Taekwondo club, who is also a member of the team campaigning to keep an indoor sporting facility in the town, said: “I’m very pleased that the hall remains as it is at Lords Meadow.
“We understand the council needs to secure revenue to make it viable, and we’ll support and work with them to make sure the members and users get a benefit out of the facilities.
“As an instructor I know training venues and space are at a premium, and we as a taekwondo club are always looking for opportunities to secure time and space for the expansion of our group and our members.”
* PLANS to knock down the Pavilion at Lords Meadow sports centre have been passed at a Mid Devon District Council full planning meeting.
Cllr Deed said the work is not imminent, but it will create more parking.
