Council candidates clash over sports centre plans
A row has erupted after a council election candidate blasted his rival over the anticipated sale of Ralston’s sports centre.
Sitting councillor Jennifer AdamMcGregor, who is standing for re-election at the looming polls, dismissed political opponent Graeme Clark’s worries over the controversial centre as“petty electioneering stunts”.
She hit out after Labour’s Mr Clark urged the SNP councillor to“come clean”over the future of the disputed facility.
Ralston Sports Centre has been at the centre of controversy since news emerged late last year that Kelburne Hockey Club were drawing up proposals to turn the site into a £600,000 hub.
The club launched the process of applying to Renfrewshire Council to see the site subject to a Community Asset Transfer process - which allows for a community organisation to take over publicly-owned land or buildings in a way that recognises the public benefits of the transaction.
Transfers can be done through means including a transfer of management responsibility, short or long term lease, or through the transfer of outright ownership.
But the move proved controversial after amateur football clubs in the area branded it“selfish”and said the loss of the Ralston centre would leave dozens of clubs fighting for space to train and play.
Footballers say there are three pitches in the area available to them, at Ralston, Seedhill and Ferguslie, alongside a further three in the area’s schools - but which they say are not as readily available for bookings.
However, the Kelburn club - which boasts around 250 members - defended their bid.
Club Secretary Billy Anderson said the organisation were looking to overhaul“tired”facilities to create a “vibrant and well-used facility that stands the test of time”.
They had hoped to unveil the new hockey base by August.
But now the Ralston Sports Centre row has spilled over into politics, with Labour’s Mr Clark claiming the site faces an“uncertain future”over the prospect of being“sold off by Renfrewshire Council”.
The move came after he attended a recent event, alongside Labour colleagues including MSP Neil Bibby, to mark the 25th anniversary of Ralston Skills - a community sports club based at the centre, which provides fun physical activities for youngsters aged from five to 17.
He hit out at Councillor AdamMcGregor, saying:“Labour are clear we want to protect and enhance local community sports centres like Ralston if we are elected.
“Ralston Sports Centre is used by many local people and groups but even so it’s future is under threat. It was great to attend the 25th anniversary of Ralston Skills at the weekend. If elected I will work with the local community to save the sports centre and make it better for all the local community.”
Mr Clark added:“The SNP have made no reference to the centre in its manifesto and the SNP candidate doesn’t even mention the centre in her leaflets. What is the SNP’s position? People in Paisley Northeast and Ralston deserve to know.
“It would be outrageous if they sold off the sports centre after the election but there is a real risk this will happen if they don’t give a cast-iron promise now.”
Renfrewshire Council would not be drawn on the row, saying only that there isn’t a plan to“sell”the centre but they confirmed:“Kelburne Hockey Cub are developing an application for a community asset transfer for that site, which – once complete - will be considered through the usual process.”
But Councilllor Adam-McGregor dismissed the comments as a preelection stunt, telling the Express:“As Mr Clark should be aware the council have a legal obligation to consider any community asset transfer application that comes before them, if it meets the criteria laid out in the Empowerment Act, It isn’t a sale as he implies, it would be helpful for Mr Clark to understand that as a member of the Environment Land and Infrastructure Policy Board my position has to remain confidential or I would be ruled out of the decision making process when it comes to the board.
“What I would like to emphasise is how closely I have been working with Ralston Community Council on this issue so I am well informed and up to date with my constituents views on this matter.
“Mr Clark would do well to familiarise himself with council policy instead of petty electioneering stunts that are contradictory to the process.”
Both Graeme Clark and sitting Councillor Jennifer Adam-McGregor will stand for election in the Paisley Northeast and Ralston ward at the Scottish council elections on May 5.