THE decision to scrap plans for a new swimming pool in Bradford was a “political one” that “Reform must take responsibility for” – an MP has claimed.
Bradford East MP Imran Hussain has hit out at the decision by the Reform UK-led Executive to cancel the development of a £32 million leisure centre on Squire Lane in Girlington.
National body Swim England has also raised concerns about the decision – pointing out that the percentage of children who know how to swim in the area is way below the national average.
Why was the pool plan scrapped?
At a meeting of the council’s Executive last month, members announced it would be going against the recommendations of its own officers and not proceed with plans for the pool.
The Executive said the council could not afford the extra money needed to get the leisure centre over the line, with no guarantee that costs would not rise further.
At a recent Scrutiny Committee meetings, Leader Stephen Place explained the decision, saying: “We didn’t take it lightly.
"We have to take fiscal responsibility and fiscal common sense.
"Bradford simply cannot afford this facility."
MP hits back at decision
But Mr Hussain said that argument must now be challenged following a major improvement in Bradford Council’s funding settlement.
The Labour Government recently announced that Bradford Council would receive an extra £273.1 million in funding from Central Government – part of a nationwide shake up of council funding.
Mr Hussain said: “Reform’s decision to scrap the new Squire Lane sports and leisure centre is shocking, but sadly not surprising.
“This is not simply something that has happened because there is no money.
"Bradford Council has recently received £273 million in funding from the Labour Government following years in which I and others campaigned hard for our district to receive a fairer settlement.
“Yet Reform has chosen to return £20 million of Government investment and write off another £5.4 million that has already been spent.
"That is a political choice, and Reform must take responsibility for it.
An artist's impression of the planned Squire Lane scheme
(Image: Bradford Council)
Centre would have 'served more than 87,000'
“I am particularly concerned about what this decision says to people living in Girlington and our surrounding inner-city communities including people in my own constituency.
“This is a diverse community which has suffered from underinvestment for far too long.
"Residents are entitled to ask why, when Bradford finally has additional resources available, it is their community that is once again being told it cannot have the investment it was promised.
“The centre would have served more than 87,000 people and provided local families and young people with access to facilities, including a public swimming pool.
“The inner cities deserve the same investment and opportunities as anywhere else in Bradford. Reform must explain why families in our community are being made to pay the price for their decision.
“All our communities in Bradford deserve investment. I will continue fighting to ensure that everyone across Bradford gets their fair share.”
Council leader responds to MP
In response, Cllr Place said: “Imran Hussain and his party had a long time during which they could have built this development.
“They chose not to.
“This choice made by the administration executive was purely based on fiscal common sense, the requirement of borrowing a further £11.9 million (possibly £12.9 million) in order to complete the project followed by shackling the Bradford taxpayer with a further £1.2 million in annual costs for years was not in line with the pragmatic approach to Bradford’s finances the administration has set for itself.”
'Too many across Bradford leave school unable to swim'
Swim England told the Telegraph & Argus that pulling support for the pool was a “missed opportunity.”
The national body pointed out that one of the primary schools that is closest to the site, Margaret McMillan Primary, only has 40 per cent of Year 6 pupils meeting the national curriculum requirement of being able to swim at least 25 metres.
The national average is around 75 per cent.
A Swim England spokesperson said: “The decision not to proceed with the proposed pool at Squire Lane is a huge missed opportunity for local residents and the wider city.
“Bradford has a shortage of available swimming pools and too many children across Bradford currently leave school unable to swim.
“We would urge the council to reconsider this decision and to deliver the swimming pools the community needs so that everyone across Bradford can enjoy the many benefits of being active in the water.
“Swim England is keen to work with the council to help increase opportunities for the local community to access the water.”