Alton Sports Centre in the Balance

4.57.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 7th Oct 2009

Alton and East Hampshire Liberal Democrats have reacted furiously at the news that Conservative run East Hampshire will not replace Alton Sports Centre 'like for like'.

Liberal Democrat leader Jerry Janes said "This is outrageous news. At no time has this ever been discussed at Full Council or with all of Alton's Lib Dem district councillors. We have no problem with partnership working in principle but to rule out refurbishment or replacement at this stage is totally unacceptable. It makes sense to keep Alton Sports Centre as a leisure hub and we must see no diminution of this, We should be using this opportunity to enhance facilities not detract from them. We the people of Alton need to stand up and fight this - first it was our tourist information centre now our sports centre is under threat - this exactly what happens when you vote and elect Conservatives."

Adam Carew East Hants Prospective Liberal Democrat MP said "The people of Alton should not have to put up with second best! If Alton Sports Centre is not refurbished or eventually replaced "like for like" in terms of its leisure provision it will be a very serious blow to the people of Alton and the surrounding villages.

"At present Alton is the biggest town in East Hampshire and needs a sports centre of this size, Petersfield has the Taro and after years of waiting Whitehill and Bordon are finally expecting a new Sports and Active Leisure Centre as part of the new Ecotown. We know Sports Centres are expensive to run and they use alot of energy. East Hants needs to think creatively. There must be a greener, more efficient solution in this day and age to keep Alton Sports Centre open without any reduction in the vital leisure services it provides".