Some mixed news today from Ashfield District Council. They have decided that they will not be renewing their contract to keep the Edgewood Leisure Centre open. Instead, they will be handing the building back to Nottinghamshire County Council. Obviously, I’m incredibly disappointed with this news. I’d pushed for the Ashfield Independents to keep Edgewood Leisure Centre open as long as possible, as there is a really passionate and active community around the centre. I’d pushed hard to make the case that many local people use this pool as a starter platform for their youngsters to learn to swim.
However, the positive news is that, because of the efforts we made on this, particularly from the local Hucknall West Councillors in the Edgewood area, Cllr Phil Rostance, Chris Baron and Kevin Rostance, Ashfield District Council have agreed to include in their 10 year leisure contract a new ‘learner’ pool to be built alongside the larger pool already at the Hucknall Leisure Centre. This is obviously hugely positive for Hucknall, and something I’m very grateful to have helped achieve.
So as I say, mixed news. Obviously, I’m very disappointed that the future of Edgewood Leisure Centre is looking very unlikely, but will continue to work with officers at Nottinghamshire County Council to try and see if there's anything we can do. Still, I’m pleased that we’ve been able to secure a concession from the Ashfield Independents that will benefit the people of Hucknall, and in particular our youngsters who will need a decent place to learn to swim.