Last week Rainham residents found themselves, yet again at the raw end of Havering Council cuts. Despite areas such as Hornchurch and Romford getting new leisure facilities in recent years, Havering Council have taken the decision to remove funding and close the doors of Chafford Sports Complex in Rainham for good.
Jon Cruddas MP who has been fighting to retain the facility since 2013 has sought assurances from the Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure that the south of Havering will not fall by the wayside as other parts of the borough receive new investment.
Cllr Persaud explained that "A full feasibility study in to a new sports centre in the south of the borough will commence in due course?. The outcome of the feasibility is due to be reported to Havering's Cabinet in the autumn this year."
"Following full consideration of the feasibility study, the cabinet will be able to make a final decision on new sporting provision in the south of the borough."
Jon Cruddas welcomed this response but has warned that "this is by no means a concrete promise and the south of the borough has been snubbed before. I want to show Havering Council the impact of their decision in Rainham, Wennington and South Hornchurch."
It is with this in mind that Jon is calling on residents to voice their support for new leisure facilities by emailing their comments to shaveringleisure@outlook.com
Jon Cruddas said "The community needs to come together and show the strength of feeling for new leisure facilities in the south. I'm urging residents to help me put pressure on Havering Council by emailing the campaign address with their comments, which I will collate and submit in the autumn."
Email your support for new leisure facilities to shaveringleisure@outlook.com
All comments sent in by email will be made anonymous when handed in to the council in order to comply with data protection and privacy laws.