Late changes over Kenilworth leisure facilities debate provoke war of words

Kenilworth councillors said they have noted a 'small change of heart' by Warwick District Council, offering the possibility of the reopening of leisure facilities after lockdown.

A change this week in the proposal from the council means that, rather than both Abbey Field swimming pools and Castle Farm recreation centre definitely staying closed until new premises are opened in late 2022 at the earliest, the facilities may yet be used this year, depending on a decision to be made by the council's head of service, deputy chief executive and the portfolio holder Cllr Alan Rhead.

But it was comments made by the chairman of one of Warwick District Council’s scrutiny committees that caught the attention at yesterday's (Thursday) cabinet meeting - and they will be investigated.

Cllr Andrew Milton (Lib Dem, Kenilworth St John’s) was frustrated when the item about Kenilworth leisure facilities, to be considered at an overview and scrutiny (O&S) meeting he was chairing, was amended at the last minute.

He told the cabinet meeting: “I actually received a revision 15 minutes before the meeting started. I then received a second revision - so a revision to the revision - 20 minutes after the meeting had actually started. Several members of the committee expressed the view that it didn’t seem conducive to good scrutiny to be receiving substantial amendments so late in the day.”

Councillors had been discussing the ongoing situation of Kenilworth’s two leisure facilities - Castle Farm Recreation Centre and Abbey Fields Swimming Pool - and options regarding whether they would reopen between the current Covid pandemic lockdown and their demolition.

Cllr Milton added: “Scrutiny was very much focused on making sure there was more openness and consultation on how the decision is being made. That was our major concern.”

O&S put forward a recommendation to ensure consultation was carried out with the council’s leadership coordinating group and all Kenilworth district councillors over when and which facilities should be reopened.

But that suggestion was not supported at cabinet where Cllr Milton’s actions were criticised.

Cllr Jan Matecki (Con, Budbrooke), said “I believe that instead of running the meeting the chair was actually steering the meeting and I think the recommendation has come about as a result of a mistrust of officers in the genuine attempt to address a problem. I think the officers have done a tremendous job.”

Cllr Alan Rhead (Con, Budbrooke), the environment and neighbourhood portfolio holder, took part in the O&S meeting and explained he would be taking the matter further.

He said: “I presented the amendment as a result of our officers reviewing the matter of the closure. This review was undertaken by them to consider the complexities due both to the duration of the current lockdown and potential but as yet unknown restrictions that might be imposed after the lockdown is lifted.

“To my dismay and disappointment, the chairman of O&S, before inviting comments from the committee members, chose to accuse both myself and our officers of resorting to nothing short of sharp practice and that he was suspicious of the motives behind this amendment.

“As the portfolio holder, I consider these comments both insulting personally and showing a complete lack of respect for the integrity of our officers. Consequently I have asked the monitoring officer to undertake a full investigation into the remarks.”

He added that he would not support the O&S recommendation because it was inappropriate to single out the Kenilworth councillors as it was a district-wide matter.

The full council will now vote on these proposals when it meets on February 24.

Reacting after the meeting, some Kenilworth Town Council said they now have a glimmer of hope that the facilities will reopen in the summer.

Leader of Kenilworth Town Council, Cllr John Dearing, said: ‘It would have been very disappointing for residents to be completely deprived of any public leisure facilities in the town this year.

"We’re all hoping that the summer will allow us to get out and about more. After such a long lockdown, the swimming pool and gym facilities will be essential to many people for re-gaining their health and wellbeing.

"The Green and Liberal Democrat councillors will continue to push Warwick District Council for the earliest possible opening dates when lockdown is lifted, and the latest possible closure dates prior to the scheduled demolition later this year.'

Cllr Kate Dickson, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on the town council, said "We're glad that the council saw sense and, albeit at the last minute, withdrew its original proposal but are unhappy that the decision about any possible temporary re-opening will be made without any consultation with local elected Kenilworth representatives.

"We've heard recently from many residents of Kenilworth, local community groups and visitors to the town about their unhappiness with these plans and we'll continue at subsequent council meetings to hold the council to account for its actions."