Sport Godalming News - January ’08

 

The Editor

Surrey Advertiser

 

17 July 2007

 

Your article in last weeks Godalming edition implied that the announcement of expenditure of £800k on the existing leisure centre would provide Godalming with the facility we have been demanding for years.

Nothing could be further from the truth as we believe that this money will do no more than carry out the necessary repairs to comply with health and safety requirements. As we understand it, the trainer pool, café and modernisation have been deferred until there are funds available whilst the other leisure centres in the borough are to undergo refurbishments. Why should we have to wait for the agreed improvements when the need is so clearly essential?

We have a very old building that needs to be rebuilt or substantially refurbished to attract families to enjoy the benefits of leisure. This proposal is nothing but a compromise, some might say a botch, and in no way will give Godalming a leisure centre to satisfy today's discerning public. It is a disgrace after so many studies by consultants and procrastination by the Council that this is all that Godalming is being offered.

If the Council is set on the existing site without a rebuild then there is still an opportunity to create something attractive and engaging for the community. We would urge them to create an imaginative design to open up the frontage, refurbish the interior and to extend the footprint to transform the place into a real jewel. Above all the works should be done without delay and to include the promised trainer pool, cafe and seating.

 

Sport Godalming.

Updated 20.07.07

Updated 05.02.08