Taking the fight for Marple Pool to the top

Lisa, along with former Hazel Grove MP Andrew Stunell, spoke to Helen Morgan MP and Baroness Pinnock, the Liberal Democrat levelling up spokespeople for the House of Commons and Lords. After the Conservative Government denied the project levelling-up funding last month, alternative routes to make the plans a reality are being driven forward by Lisa Smart and the Liberal Democrat-run Stockport Council.

Lisa said: “I know how much of a difference this will make for our community, and for young people in Marple.

“There’s so much talk of ‘levelling-up’ but it makes a real difference to be able to stand there and talk to decision makers about how important this is for people. It was great to have two such key people really show an interest in our community, and promise to do everything they can to help Marple.”

Levelling-up bids for Marple pool and leisure centre have been twice rejected by the Government, in 2021 and earlier this year. While the Government Department responsible has promised feedback on the bid, there has been no sense of urgency. This contrasts with the £19 million awarded to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s constituency despite it being one of the wealthiest in the north of England.

Lisa added: “This is about getting a fair crack of the whip. While Ministers talk the talk, they aren’t walking the walk. I’m out speaking to people on the streets of Hazel Grove every week, and they know what’s fair and what isn’t.

“Local children need somewhere to learn to swim. They should have exactly the same opportunities we had. Let’s give them what they need.”

“Our area deserves better. I’m fighting for that every day.”

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SWIMMING POOLS SAVE LIVES. British Olympic hero and local resident Rebecca Adlington was in the press this week fighting to save local swimming pools from closure. Read the full story here.