LOCAL LIB DEMS WELCOME LEISURE CENTRE DEAL

2.35.29pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 10th May 2006

Local Liberal Democrats have welcomed the new partnership agreement between Solihull Council and Rivendell Leisure Ltd for the regeneration of Solihull's leisure facilities.

However, local Liberal Democrats have taken issue with the way the development was funded through the sale of park land on Monkspath Hall Road. More than 12,000 people signed a Lib Dem petition against the sell-off.

Commenting on the announcement, Lorely Burt MP said,

"We supported the refurbishment of Solihull's leisure facilities all the way through: the only issue we have had is over the funding of the project through the sale of park land. We have opposed that aspect all the way through as well and we continue to fight for the preservation of our park land.

"I would like to pay tribute to all the Council Officers who have worked so hard to bring this partnership agreement to fruition."

Liberal Democrat group leader, Cllr Norman Davies said,

"Having been a member of a small cross-party working group on this issue from the start, I'm greatly looking forward to seeing these 21st century facilities rise from the ground.

"Solihull will be very proud when its leisure facilities are brought up to the same standard as Touchwood."

ENDS