COUNCIL DENIES 'SECRET AGENDA' OVER GLENHOLME AXE
A FIGHT to save Glenholme Leisure Centre in Crook received a devastating blow this week when Durham County Council’s cabinet voted in favour of its closure.
It follows months of campaigning on the part of local residents, who have expressed their bitter disappointment at the news.
John Winter, the former chairman of Glenholme Community Leisure Ltd, whose attempt to take over the leisure centre failed due to staffing issues and a lack of reserves, said it would be a great loss to the town.
And, as revealed in last week’s Mercury, he is convinced the land is earmarked for housing.
In a letter (that will be printed in full on page four of the Wear Valley Mercury on Friday, July 15) he writes: “I am a realist and will make a prediction – Crook Town will not only lose Glenholme Leisure Centre it will lose its bowling green, outdoor multi-use court, skateboard park and West Durham Youth will also lose The Boys Club – all located immediately next to Glenholme – and probably identified for development.”
Mr Winter's prediction was rubbished by Terry Collins, Corporate Director for Neighbourhood Services, who said there was and never had been a secret agenda for Glenholme.
“The only agenda we have ever had here is to try and find third parties to come in and operate the centres,” he said after the Cabinet meeting.
“It has been an extensive process and we have worked day and night to try and make these bids successful.”
He also revealed that the “door was still open” to any organisations with a sensible business plan that met all the legal criteria and emphasised the authority’s commitment to increasing participation in sport.
Glenholme Leisure Centre was one of six indoor facilities earmarked for closure in March, as the authority attempts to cut £3.4m from its sport and leisure budget.
It is part of a raft of measures being taken due to cuts from central Government.
As part of the consultation, the authority invited bids from community groups and private sector organisations to take over the centres.
And, this week, Cabinet supported plans to progress bids to save Deerness Valley Gymnastics Club and Coxhoe Leisure Centre, as well as retaining Abbey Leisure Centre with reduced opening hours.
However, Glenholme, Ferry Hill and Sherburn will close from October 1, with arrangements made to sell or demolish the sites.