Sport study slammed

5:17pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

A NEW council study into Bromsgrove's recreation areas giving residents the chance to have their say next week, has been criticised by the opposition leader.

The district council is working with specialist leisure consultants. PMP. to undertake an assessment of all well used and valued open spaces and recreation facilities in the district.

According to the council, the £30,000 assessment is a necessary document to ensure their local development framework is accurate, and will set future priorities.

However, leader of the opposition Labour group, Councillor Peter McDonald (Waseley) questioned its necessity, and the use of consultants.

He said: "I believe our staff are more than capable of carrying out the survey, last carried out a couple of years ago. The council could have spent the money on other services."

Council leader Roger Hollingworth (Cons-Alvechurch) said: "There will be complaints but the Labour group seem to be incapable of understanding we cannot afford experts for everything."

"For this consultation we need to use experts as our staff do not have the expertise or time for this exercise."

As part of the consultation, residents are invited to drop in' sessions next week. Sessions will be held on May 19, from 10.30am to 1pm at Bromsgrove District Customer Service Centre, and from 2pm to 4.30pm at Hagley Library.

Further sessions will be held on May 20, at Wythall Library, from 4.30pm to 7pm, and from 10.30am to 1pm at Rubery Library on May 22. Residents can also have their say by emailing bromsgrove@pmpconsult.com.

Editors Choice