Gazette launches fight to save sports centres (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Gazette launches fight to save sports centres

11:17am Wednesday 29th November 2006

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The Gazette has launched a campaign to save the three leisure centres at Calne, Cricklade and Wootton Bassett from closure.

Since North Wiltshire District Council's decision to close the centres last Thursday, we have been flooded with letters, e-mails and responses to our web site.

Editor Gary Lawrence said: "People feel very let down and angry about what has happened, particularly because of the lack of consultation with the hundreds of clubs and groups who will now have nowhere to meet or play their sport.

"We believe this measure is short-sighted. It would be possible, like the county council did at Pewsey, to give notice that the district cannot continue to fund the sports centres but to keep them open until a partner can be found to run them.

"We feel the centres should be there as a community asset and we need to show North Wiltshire District Council that we, the people of the area, demand they work towards a solution for keeping them open.'' The Gazette has already distributed petition forms and posters around Wootton Bassett, Calne and Cricklade but we need more people to take them and put them up in their windows and cars. You can download them below or ring (01793) 501960 and we'll post a petition form or a poster to you.

The Gazette will be at the Wootton Bassett Christmas lights switch-on on Friday night with the petition.

Background to closures and have your say

Download petition forms and posters here

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