News from Westminster Labour

Scrap plans to close Jubilee Sports Centre in Queen’s Park urges Labour

Labour Councillors have called on Westminster Council to “listen to the people” following a petition organised by local residents against the Council’s plans to close the Jubilee Sports Centre in Queen’s Park and build a new Sports Centre on the site of the existing Moberly Sports Centre just over the borough boundary in Brent.

Queen’s Park Councillor Barrie Taylor will be presenting the petition to the Council meeting on 11th July. The petition reads;

We, the undersigned, are concerned citizens who urge Westminster City Council to stop the planned closure of the Jubilee Sports Centre in Caird Street, London W10 4RR

Residents say;

“The reason for this petition concerns the lack of consultation and impact that the closure of Jubilee Sports Centre will have on the local community. The proposal to close the facility and relocate sports and leisure facilities to the border of the Borough will benefit a majority of Council Tax payers in neighbouring Boroughs more than Westminster residents. Many local people, without any means of personal transport, currently use the facilities, including the gym, swimming pool, badminton & squash courts; and free access to the basketball and football courts – providing a great outlet for the local teenagers and children in a safe environment.”

Queen’s Park Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, Leader of the Labour Group, said;

“There is a huge wave of opposition from local residents against the Council’s plans to close the Jubilee Sports Centre and build houses for sale on the site. Whilst building a new sports centre on the Moberly site has some attractions, residents say that the loss of the Jubilee Sports Centre is too high a price to pay. The overwhelming message from the Council’s consultation and from the petition organised by residents is to scrap the plans and look at ways at improving the existing well-used and popular Jubilee and Moberly Sports Centres.

“Many residents have pointed out the irony of the Council planning to close the 35 year old Jubilee Sports Centre in the year we are celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. There is still time for the Council to think again and scrap the Jubilee Centre closure plans.”

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