Chester-le-Street councillors have been warned that funding for a new Leisure Centre is under threat.
Tories, LibDems and their supporters have warned that Cabinet will be reviewing the plan this year, as further cuts to services are required. This is despite support for the project through the Council’s own consultation.
Labour has condemned the approach, labelling it a betrayal of the residents of town.
Cllr Alison Batey, Shadow Cabinet Member for Leisure and Culture said: “Over the past two years the Tory-led Coalition have caused nothing but confusion, anger and disappointment for residents across Chester-le-Street.
“Under this Council, the views of residents have been ignored and at the same time, groups using Council facilities feel that they have been led down the garden path.
“The Tory-led Coalition has dropped the ball on improving outdoor leisure Facilities in and around the Town and now scored an own-goal on indoor Leisure too.
“This should have been good news about positive investment for Chester-le-Street, but is just a series of missed opportunities for our town. We are being left behind without any improvements to leisure provision while other areas are benefitting from significant refurbishment or even new-built facilities in some cases.
“There is a feeling of betrayal that Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and their supporters have dragged their feet for two years and now look set to withdraw investment altogether.”
Rt Hon Kevan Jones, Member of Parliament for North Durham said: “Residents in Chester-le-Street are paying the price for two years of dithering and delay.
“Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and many Independents are showing their true colours with decisions like this.
“Chester-le-Street is in desperate need of a new Leisure Centre and along with local Councillors this is something I will be campaigning on until Chester-le-Street gets the investment and the facilities we need.”
To sign the petition for a new leisure centre, click: https://action.labour.org.uk/page/131353/petition/1?ea.tracking.id=QRcode