In Ipswich, we have a tremendous opportunity to renew enthusiasm for sport. And, under the Conservatives from 2004, this was one of our priorities. We addressed the £25m backlog on building maintenance left by Labour's 25 years in office, by gradually making improvements to the facilities: £500,500 to restore Fore Street Baths, phasing in the £4m refurbishment of Crown Pools, which had never been touched since it was built. Bodged works in the final phase, costing an extra £300,000 under the current Labour administration delayed its recent reopening by months.
Gainsborough, Northgate and Whitton sports centres all saw major improvements, and we were working with the Ipswich Town Trust to manage Whitton to benefit local people, but Labour stopped that. With Cllr Ellesmere saying it was 'privatisation' and now Cllr. Ross saying it was 'closure'.
Labour did close Broomhill Pool in 2002 because it was 'no longer viable', but they have subsequently taken on the Conservative commitment to invest £1m in its future. But nothing seems to be happening yet!
What has happened, however, is that a notice to quit has been served on Ransomes Sports & Social Club in Sidegate Avenue. This decision was taken in secret by the Labour Executive, with the full knowledge of both Labour councillors in Rushmere Ward, Ross and Grant, and without any consultation with either the club or local residents. So much for democracy.
A plan to build a new community centre to replace the existing building which is well past it lifetime are being ignored. Instead the Labour council will face running costs of up to £100,000 p.a. (as stated in its secret report) whereas at present it costs the council nothing and is a valuable local sporting asset, serving dozens of clubs and more than 2000 young people each year.
Working with a trust, creating the community centre could involve building just 8-10 houses on the 11.4 acre site, which would not intrude on the existing pitches. Something which should be given serious consideration by the council. And the Conservatives will ensure it is!
and now to culture...
In 2004, The Regent was on the verge of closure, costing the public purse £850,000 per annum. Under the Conservatives, its programming was changed to attract customers, and the theatre was refurbished. It now brings in more than £1.5m to our local economy annually, and costs the council about £250,000 p.a. in running costs.
Meanwhile, Labour are running down the Museum service, as they did previously.
Whilst the County Council has retained all 44 of its libraries, Labour's hot air about 'save our libraries' resulted in precisely nothing. Just hot air! The Industrial & Provident Society is a co-operative model, which will develop the service in response to community needs and wants across the County, including in Ipswich. With no help of any engagement from Ipswich Labour.