Council letting down the town

12:35pm Wednesday 28th May 2008

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Health professionals are warning parents that due to lack of sufficient exercise, obesity and sugar diabetes amongst school children is rising steadily to worrying levels.

Knowing this, it is disturbing to learn that the council at looking at the possible closure' of one of Blackpool's swimming pools.

Even though sport and exercise is beneficial for everyone and therefore should be encouraged.

Coun Tony Williams, cabinet member for Blackpool Council, has said: "But as yet no decisions have been made."

It would appear this council is testing the water to see what local opinion on the matter would be.

The pool in danger of being closed is St George's Pool, next to the school on Cherry Tree Road. Does the council not appreciate the value of children becoming proficient in swimming, particularly as we are a coastal town?

After only 12 months in office it is abundantly clear Blackpool is being badly served by the current council.

Illuminations from last season have been left in place all over the town. They are now looking dirty and shabby. Why? Early visitors will go home after seeing this neglect. It is a poor advertisement for the resort.

Blackpool has done tremendously well receiving large generous Government grants, the latest for the new sea wall/promenade and the tram track improvements.

Our council should be doing their part in keeping the resort as smart as possible not allowing neglect to become the norm.

From April we no longer have the lowest Council Tax in Lancashire. Again one should ask why?

Because this year Blackpool received a 7.5 per cent increase in the rate support grant from the Government, the biggest increase that anyone can remember.

Compare this with another Lancashire town, Bolton, who I understand have been able to keep their council tax at last years level.

Jack Croysdill Chairman, Blackpool North/Cleveleys Labour Party.

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