Stockport Liberal Democrats demand proper funding for leisure estate

Stockport Liberal Democrats have called upon the Government to provide necessary funds to invest in the Council leisure estate, including Grand Central pool in the town centre. The call for investment comes as the Council has said it is looking for sources of investment to improve ageing facilities.

The successful motion was submitted to the council meeting last evening, while Stockport Labour tabled an amendment that would remove the direct call for a “new government to provide funds”. Labours amendment was unsuccessful, and all councillors subsequently supported the Liberal Democrat motion.

Cllr Jilly Julian, Cabinet Member for Finance said: “There is clear consensus across the chamber that we need more support from the Government. All parties supported our motion in calling for this support, and we look forward to working with members from across the borough to ensure that our leisure facilities are given the support they need.”

The debate was raised as Labour reported the fact that the aging leisure estate would need investment as a “bombshell”, despite Stockport Labour leading the council for 6 of the last 8 years.

“The most effective way for local government to recover from year-on-year cuts and be in a position where they can offer the facilities residents deserve is through a proper plan, ambition, and support from the Government. Inadequate funding for our leisure estate has been an issue for the last decade, we’re looking to tackle the issue head on and get the funding it needs.”