David Rutley

MP for Macclesfield

POYNTON Leisure Centre must remain open.

I have joined Poynton councillors, many local residents and community organisations, in setting out their clear objection to any future plans that could lead to closing the Leisure Centre.

I am strongly opposed to proposals from Cheshire East Council that could lead to this outcome.

The proposals are linked to the council’s strategic leisure review

and threaten the future of this much valued community facility.

I have received high levels of correspondence from concerned residents highlighting the detrimental affects the proposed closure would have on physical health and emotional and mental well-being in the community.

During a recent visit to the leisure centre, I saw how well-used the amenities are: from local schools accessing the pool to local residents benefitting from gym

equipment, classes and facilities for basketball, netball and more.

I also attended the packed Poynton Dippers awards presentation evening - over 150 people expressed their strong support for the vital role the leisure centre plays in the community.

The services provided by the leisure centre are in demand.

Six primary schools use the swimming pool, with 666 pupils benefitting from the facilities, as part of the

learn to swim scheme.

With this active use and Poynton Leisure Centre recently receiving £46,170 government funding to make operating the swimming pool more financially sustainable, any plans to close the leisure centre are poorly judged.

I understand Cheshire East Council will undertake a public consultation and review of proposals, which will become active over coming weeks.

I urge local residents to make known their

strong support for the leisure centre, as part of the consultation process.

Cheshire East Council needs to closely engage with local stakeholders, including Poynton Town Council and Everybody Health and Leisure to find a more sustainable future for Poynton Leisure Centre.