K2619

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26 June 2019

Vol 26 l Issue 26

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COUNCIL UNVEIL PLANS FOR NEW LEISURE HUBS

Public consultation launched on proposals to replace borough’s ageing facilities with state-of-the-art centres

Tributes paid to Champion photographer Martyn Snape

Report by Henry James BOROUGH council chiefs say residents will see ageing leisure centres in Skelmersdale and Ormskirk replaced by “state-of-the-art leisure and wellbeing hubs as part of exciting new proposals.” The council has launched a public consultation on the proposals and wants as many people as possible to get involved. As part of the proposals the authority says the Skelmersdale Leisure and Wellbeing Hub will feature swimming pools, tenpin bowling, climbing walls, a 120station fitness suite, dance and spinning studios, café and adventure soft play. Plans for Ormskirk also include swimming pools, a 120-station fitness suite, dance and spinning studios, café and adventure soft play. Meanwhile although the consultations on the proposed new leisure facilities were welcomed by Our West Lancashire, they also urged continuing vigilance from the public. The Skelmersdale Leisure and Wellbeing Hub, replacing Nye Bevan Pool, is earmarked for the Ingram site next to West Lancashire College and Asda. Redeveloped Following its construction, the Nye Bevan Pool will be demolished and the site will be redeveloped as part of the wider town centre plan. The Ormskirk Leisure and Wellbeing Hub, replacing Park Pool, is proposed to be on Churchfields. Following its construction, Coronation Park will be improved as part of a proposed masterplan with the current Park Pool site being returned to parkland following the building’s demolition. “Councillor Yvonne Gagen, the council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for leisure and human resources, said: “These leisure and wellbeing hubs will be a huge boost to Skelmersdale and Ormskirk, giving many more people the opportunity to have fun getting fitter and healthier. “It’s very important that we get as wide a response to our consultation as possible to make sure these new facilities are as good as they can be.” The consultation is open now and runs until Friday,

An artist’s impression of the proposed new Skelmersdale Leisure and Wellbeing Hub.

August 2. Everyone can see and comment on the plans at https://westlancshubs.co.uk/ or at one of the following public exhibitions: Chapel Gallery in Ormskirk from Thursday, July 18 to Friday, July 26. (Staff will be present to answer questions from midday to 7pm on Thursday, July 18). Concourse foyer Skelmersdale, from Friday, July 19 to Friday, July 26 (Staff will be present to answer questions from midday to 7pm on Friday, July 19). Information and feedback forms will also be available at Nye Bevan Pool and Park Pool. It is currently planned that both facilities will be operational in 2022. More information on the project is available by calling Freephone 0800 298 7040. Councillor Adrian Owens, chairman of the Our West Lancs Group, commented: “Remember October 2015 when the Labour council threatened closure of Park Pool? Our campaign and petition stopped those plans then. “In spring 2016 we were the first local political group to propose a new swimming pool in Ormskirk and others followed suit. “Since then, there’s been a lot of work behind the scenes from councillors of all parties to bring forward initial plans for new leisure and wellbeing hubs in both towns and the consultation on these starts today. Local residents helped stop the closure of Park Pool four years ago, now residents can help to improve these plans. “These new leisure centres will have to generate sur-

Nye Bevan Pool - under the plans it will be demolished following the construction of the new leisure and wellbeing hub.

plus to make the business case to borrow to construct them. By earmarking existing council funds from previous taxation or house building as we Independents have done, we can ensure that these plans are not watered down once the next stage of financial forecasts are made.”

THE Champion is sad to report the death of well known photographer, Martyn Snape, who passed away peacefully on Monday in Queenscourt Hospice following a short illness, aged 65. Martyn was a stalwart of the Champion for more than 20 years and in that time became a hugely popular figure covering our picture desk for Sefton and West Lancs. He was as popular within the Champion as he was out in the community he served with such dedication and distinction. His talents behind the camera ensured countless people were able to share their stories in our titles. He became ‘pals’ with the great and good of both boroughs, striking up real friendships with so many as he went about his duties professionally and with a keen eye for a great picture. Martyn didn’t do ‘snaps’ - he hated that term and would rebuke anybody who dared to call his work ‘that word’. He was a newspaper lensman down to the core and was greatly respected for the manner in which he went about his duties. Continued on Page 2

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