MP Demands Timeline For New Leisure Facilities

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MP Demands Timeline For New Leisure Facilities

The Rainham community was hit hard last week when news broke that the future of Chafford Sport Complex looked bleak. The sports complex is due for closure soon, a decision made by the cabinet at Havering Council. Last week as part of a Romford Recorder press release dated the 18th of March, cabinet member Councillor Viddy Persaud quoted:

"This is a difficult but prudent decision which we think will be of benefit for the local community in the long run."

"Chafford is no longer fit for purpose and requires significant repairs for it to be safe and usable for residents and schools beyond June. Further investment in the site does not offer good value for money when we can look to provide a new and better facility instead for our local communities in the south of the borough."

"Local residents can also use our other facilities like those in Hornchurch or Sapphire until a new leisure centre is built in the south of the borough."

Jon Cruddas MP contacted Cllr Persaud demanding assurances and sort a timeline for when new leisure facilities will be delivered in the south of the borough.

In response, Cllr Persaud supplied the following information:

"A full feasibility study in to a new sports centre in the south of the borough will commence in due course. The feasibility will consider sites, costs both capital and revenue, facility mix and possible timeframes for building and opening a new centre. 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 MP commented: "I will be monitoring this situation closely. I have asked Havering Council for a full report to be sent to me in Autumn following the feasibility study. With Chafford Sports Complex closing, South Havering will need new leisure facilities. In the coming weeks and months, I will be doing all I can to ensure that the council honour their promise to deliver new facilities for the south of the borough."