News

HOWARD'S WAY.... a weekly column from Michael Howard MP

26 October 2006

 

Much has been said and written, in recent months, about the provision of new sports facilities for the district. Few would dispute that these facilities are badly needed. The Folkestone Sports Centre has served the town well for many years. But it is showing its age and, if new facilities are not provided, would need substantial and expensive refurbishment. 

Similar considerations apply to the swimming pool at Hythe and the provision of a multi-purpose sports centre at Hythe would bring tremendous benefits to the community. 

For these reasons I have given my strongest backing to the District Council’s proposals to bring new, modern, sports facilities to both Folkestone and Hythe. Earlier in the year I chaired a meeting at which most of the respective groups concerned were represented which was able to agree a way forward. 

Now crunch time is approaching. The Department of Culture, Media and Sport which will provide most of the finance for the scheme, through Private Finance Initiative credits, says it must have a business case for the new schemes by the end of January 2007. If it is not provided by that date, the credits will be withdrawn. 

The finalisation of the business case has been delayed by disagreement between Shepway and its partners in the project, the Folkestone Sports Centre Trust and Hythe Town Council. Those disagreements must now be resolved if the project is to proceed. 

I am convinced that this project will bring great benefit to our community. Local politicians have been impressive in their unity of their support for it – across all parties. I also believe that Shepway District Council has been entirely reasonable in its approach. 

Now is the time for everyone to pull together in the interests of the whole of our local community. This is an opportunity which must not be lost.