Anger at plan to close Stoke-on-Trent Gymnastics Centre
PARENTS have hit out over plans to close Staffordshire's only dedicated gymnastics centre.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is consulting over plans to relocate Stoke-on-Trent Gymnastics Centre across Burslem to Dimensions Leisure Centre.
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MOVING FEARS: Stoke-on-Trent Gymnastics Centre.
But parents of the 400 youngsters who use the centre fear gymnastics in the area will suffer as a result of the move.
An attempt by Stoke-on-Trent Gymnastics Club to take over the centre has so far been unsuccessful.
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Alison Kenny, whose daughters Isla and Ellen attend the Newcastle Road base, say the centre is 'unique' in the county.
Mrs Kenny, aged 46, of Hanford, said: "We're worried that the new facility won't be up to the same standard, although I can understand the council needs to make savings."
Kitty Dawkins, aged 37, of Trentham, whose 10-year-old daughter Sofia uses the centre, said: "I don't want the gymnastics to move to Dimensions. We can use this centre any time we want, but we'll have to share the facilities at Dimensions. I think the council could make the centre more profitable by letting other groups use it, other than the gymnastics club."
Kelly Hampton, aged 28, of Weston Coyney, said: "We are still trying to save the centre. My son, Ben, has been coming here for six years and he loves it.
"My concern with moving to Dimensions is over health and safety, as all the equipment here is fixed. But we have been reassured that the new facility will be just as safe."
The gymnastics club was first earmarked for closure by the council in 2009/10. The closure was averted after talks started over a community asset transfer of the centre to volunteers.
But it is understood the offer was rejected due to issues over the transfer of staff.
The planned relocation is part of the council's 2013/14 budget consultation. Parents can have their say on the proposals until January 11.
The council's annual subsidy for sports centres has fallen from £2 million to £1.1 million in four years.
Councillor Mark Meredith, cabinet member for economic development, said: "Further savings proposed include the relocation of the gymnastics centre at Burslem to Dimensions Leisure Centre, resulting in an increased programme of gymnastics."
Comments
by matt1982
Wednesday, January 02 2013, 2:34PM
“Poor headline really as the building may be proposed to close but the service it provides is moving to a different location just up the road.”
by caqqie
Monday, December 03 2012, 10:40PM
“Olympic legacy!!?? Stoke council do not care about the development of current gymnasts - all they want is to get more children into gymnastics. What about the talented young gymnasts who attend the centre and are a member of one of the squads?? The medals that these gymnasts return from competitions with is not at all down to the council but instead due to the committment of the coaches (often unpaid) and the perseverance of the children.
A move to Dimensions could benefit many children in Stoke allowing more children to experience this sport but will have a detrimental effect on the members of the squads. We need the council to support the gifted gymnasts and develop them to achieve the next level in their sport - one child could be the next British Champion, if the council cared enough!!”
by I_Norris
Monday, December 03 2012, 7:30PM
“why not sign petition http://tinyurl.com/brdelat
The removal of Stoke on Trent City Councill
Responsible department: Department for Communities and Local Government
The people of Stoke on Trent would like the current City council removed and run by government due to poor commercial stategy and mismanagment of funds which overall, has left the City in a poor and run down state.”
by BedNinja
Monday, December 03 2012, 7:22PM
“It's in Newcastle Street not Newcastle Road”
by strandedhere
Monday, December 03 2012, 3:55PM
“Each Cartildge Home set up by the council employs one full-time member of staff and cares for two learning-disabled adults,at a cost of 250.000 per year,even though the adults want out.Perhaps it's time to debate this in council?”
by mole10
Monday, December 03 2012, 3:15PM
“The Olympic legacy-Stoke style.
Nothing but sheer Gold.”
by mommanoesbest
Monday, December 03 2012, 2:42PM
“On the upside, at least they aren't taking it away from us like some other services I could mention.”
by BucknallMel
Monday, December 03 2012, 1:59PM
“I've had a Mark Meredith stroke of genius here - how about instead of a new multi-million pound Pervez Palace, they move the civic offices to Hanley Town Hall? They can squish in there with the Registrar. Might be a bit of a squeeze but it will save sooo much money! And while they're at it maybe the Chief Exec can share an office with his deputies, save us even more bobs. Oops, sorry, no, it's only us plebs who have to cram into overcrowded facilities like battery hens, isn't it?”