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Staines Park ruled out as Leisure Centre location

26th September 2018

At a meeting of the controlling Conservative Group of Spelthorne Borough Council on Monday 17 September it was unanimously agreed to exclude development on any part of Staines Park, also known as Commercial Park, as a potential site for the proposed replacement Leisure Center, including for clarity, on the Staines Bowls Club site.

 

Members recognise the local concern expressed and the value residents place on this local amenity. This means that Staines Park will be excluded from further consideration of any potential new Leisure Center sites and will not be built on.

 

Cllr Ian Harvey, Leader of the Council, said: “We fully recognise the level of local concern this has raised and I am very happy to confirm that any new Leisure Centre will not be built there. This is local democracy at work and we appreciate the passion with which local residents have made their views understood. I have always said it was “not a done deal” and this proves it conclusively. I can also confirm that other rumours about building houses on the park are completely untrue and appear to be promulgated by mischief-makers. There are no plans, never have been, and none will be proposed by any administration I lead. We are now addressing how we can preserve and enhance this park as an open space amenity for future generations.”

 

Cllr Maureen Attewell, Cabinet Member for Leisure, said: “We remain committed to providing the best possible leisure facilities for the residents of Spelthorne, and our search for the best alternative location continues.”

 

Cllrs Jean Pinkerton and Mark Francis, Staines Town Councillors, jointly said: “It is good that the voice of local residents has been heard and listened to and we hope they will support our ultimate proposals, which of course will be fully consulted on.”

 

Cllr Sinead Mooney, Surrey County Councillor for Staines, said: “This proves our Conservative led Council is a listening Council, and will remain so. I look forward to seeing lots of our residents continuing to enjoy the park.”

 

Kwasi Kwarteng, MP for Spelthorne, said “I welcome this decision. I am pleased that residents’ concerns have been heard by the Council. I strongly believe that Spelthorne Borough Council will do the right thing in finding an appropriate site for the new leisure centre which will benefit all our residents.”’

 

Spelthorne Council confirms that their officers are continuing to assess another 50+ sites, having relaxed some of the initial criteria. They expect to be issuing further proposals for consultations in due course.