Council will do its best with leisure centre

9:30am Friday 18th January 2008

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HARROW COUNCIL will try to take on board as many ideas as possible within the budget for the new leisure centre, a leading councillor said.

Councillor Paul Osborn, portfolio holder for strategy and business support, said: "It is important to balance the needs of the community and the needs of all the organisations with this project.

"We hope we have found that balance."

Cllr Osborn, a leading member of the Conservative-run council, said financial constraints have had an impact on the plans.

He said: "It is not a perfect world. This is a self-financing project and we don't have the money to do everything.

"The plans represent the best possible facilities we can afford."

The council's plans, announced in November, have been criticised for having reduced sporting facilities, including fewer squash courts, a smaller swimming pool and no climbing wall.

But Cllr Osborn insisted the new centre will have many positive features of its own.

He said: "This new development has a brand new crèche, family changing rooms and better disabled facilities.

"The building itself is more visually appealing, is situated in a more pleasant setting and is linked better to the outdoor recreation ground."

There will be fewer parking spaces, but a scheme to limit parking to those using the centre will be introduced, which the council hopes will improve parking at the centre.

Consultation with service users and residents is ongoing, and Cllr Osborn said he would welcome any comments and suggestions made.

He said: "Nothing is fixed, and if people put a good case to us then we can see about changes.

"We are talking to all the users, discussing all the issues, and the final plans, where possible, will reflect their views. Nothing is set in stone."

Information about the leisure centre plans can be viewed at www.ukplanning.com.