LEXDEN COUNCILLORS FIGHTING TO KEEP THE SPORTS PAVILION OPEN ON KING GEORGE V PLAYING FIELD
By Sonia • Apr 16th, 2009 • Category: BlogLEXDEN COUNCILLORS FIGHTING TO KEEP THE SPORTS PAVILION OPEN ON KING GEORGE V PLAYING FIELD.
At a recent Finance and Audit Committee, Colchester Borough Council, debated the details of the Leisure services £100k cuts. This was the first time that these details have been made available. Not only have the Liberal / Labour Council slashed the number of cuts to the Lexden Church yard, where they have an obligation to keep the area up to a suitable standard, they have also pulled out the shrubs in Hubert Road.
The worst blow came as a complete surprise when it was revealed that the Pavilion would be closed and “moth balled”. This pavilion is sited on King George V playing field where many local football teams practice; they will now have no changing or toilet facilities. Sonia Lewis addressed the committee, asking for the situation to be reconsidered. The Portfolio Holder Cllr Theresa Higgins, agreed to a “U Turn” over the shrubs and rose borders, but would not budge or even answer questions about the Pavilion.
The day after the meeting, Cllrs. Mike Hardy and Sonia Lewis held urgent meetings with the leisure service officers at the Council to work out a plan of action. A public meeting has been called for April 24th: 7 pm at The Scout Hut, Collingwood Road, where councillors will be listening to residents.
This is, in our opinion, a very uncaring, ill-informed and high-handed way for a portfolio holder to operate; no consideration has been given to residents or local councillors. We are wondering what other surprises are in store.
Sonia Lewis.
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Dear Sonia
Currently I am the manager for Stanway Villa FC u6’s and u7’s football teams. Every saturday I have pitches booked at these playing fields from 10.00 am to 12.30 during the football season we use both the toilets and changing rooms. Over forty local children come and train with us in this short period, to lose these facilities would be extremly disappointing. It is very hard to find training and pitch availability in the Stanway and Lexden area, also i Ibelieve that if they still plan to have the pitches available to hire they will have to also provide running water and toilet facility’s as part of the FA and youth football requirements. Prehaps someone should have a word with Sir Trevor Brooking regarding these proposals or at least with the Essex County Football Association.
I also had every intention of booking these facility’s for our Sunday Colchester & District Youth Football club league fixtures for what will be SVFC u7’s & u8’s
If there is anything we can do to help or if you require petitions signed please let me know.
Regards
Shaun Dexter
SVFC u6’s & u7’s