Group wants plans on hold (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Group wants plans on hold

11:49am Friday 9th February 2007 in News By Tony Donnelly

Plans for a new leisure centre to replace Cascades should be put on hold, according to members of Tewkesbury Forward Group.

The group's response to the borough council's proposed medium term financial strategy says it is the most problematic item on the council's capital programme, and could cost up to £15 million.

It also claims predictions it will break even do not take into account the loss of investment income, £675,000 on £15 million, car parking income or the cost of senior officers' time.

The group's report concludes: "The project is indisputably going to have significantly higher revenue consequences than forecast and, given the public disquiet, is going to involve a great deal of senior officer commitment at a time they and the councillors might be dealing with re-organisation and the operational problems in the borough.

"We therefore suggest that the leisure centre project be put on ice for an agreed period, making an investment in Cascades to see it through the next 15 years."

The group adds that many of the borough council's problems are caused by its insistence on keeping council tax as low as possible.

It says that this is neither a source of pride for local residents, nor in the top ten factors in house purchase decision making.

The report says: "There is no doubt that Tewkesbury's reputation has suffered because of the struggle to maintain services in such a difficult financial regime.

"We would urge that the council consider the level of council tax which people are willing to pay for a good value service."

The strategy, which will guide decisions made by the council until 2010, will debated by the full council on February 27.

Tewkesbury Forward Group is made up of representatives of four residents' associations. They are the Civic Society, the Chamber of Commerce, Tewkesbury Traders and the Friends of the Earth.