Anger and disappointment as Amble refused sports hall
News that the Amble community has been refused use of the old school sports hall has been met with anger and disappointment.
Northumberland County Council (NCC) have refused the asset transfer of the old building, and insist it must be demolished instead.
📷 The old sports hall at JCSC.
The project had gained huge amount of support from individuals, local groups and organisations. It would have seen the old sports hall turned into a facility for additional sports, cultural and leisure events, and run for the benefit of the community.
Julia Aston, director of Amble Development Trust who submitted the community asset transfer (CaT) bid, expressed her disappointment and frustration at the decision.
She said, “We believe that the business case we submitted offered a wide range of opportunities, and addressed all the concerns that had been previously highlighted by NCC. From some of the reasons that have been given to us, I am left thinking our business case has not been fully understood. This would have been an excellent opportunity to address the community’s lack of access to sports facilities in Amble.
“The reasons they gave for denying the transfer are, frankly, disheartening, as we felt we met NCC’s policies and strategies on healthy lives, well-being, sport, leisure, culture, as well as the community asset transfer process. The decision is very disappointing, following the effort and weeks of work that went into the bid.”
The Ambler asked Glen Sanderson, leader of Northumberland County Council for a comment. He didn’t address the decision, but sent us this statement: “I have arranged a roundtable meeting with the Development Trust, the Town Council and the local county councillors for next week around how we might help facilitate options for the future.”
A Northumberland County Council spokesperson said: “Our commitment to investing in Amble and surrounding areas remains a top priority for the Council.
Over £51m is being invested in first class education facilities across the Coquet Partnership, including a new sports hall and football pitches at James Calvert Spence College which will be open not only for students, but for wider community use too.
While the Amble Development Trust proposals set out a range of positive ideas, they would create significant risks to the delivery and funding in place for the approved plans for the school. Any changes would impact on planning approvals, contractor and funding agreements creating major risks and additional costs to the secured investment plans for the town – for which there is not a budget.
We are keen to work with Development Trust, the Town Council and other partners in the town to look at alternative opportunities to realise the ambitions and positively develop new proposals for improving the town.
“The Leader of the County Council has arranged a round table meeting for next week with the Development Trust, Town Council and local councillors to look at options and how we might work together.”
The decision was also criticised by Amble’s Mayor.
Cllr Luke McTaggart said, “I’m very surprised and extremely disappointed at NCC’s decision regarding Amble Development Trust’s community asset transfer application for the Sports Hall. We know how desperately Amble needs and wants a leisure centre, especially so with all the new houses being built. This was a cost effective, sustainable and resourceful solution that wouldn’t have cost NCC a penny, I’m really puzzled by their decision.”
Calls for a petition have been made.
Comments from local people ranged from anger to disappointment and exasperation:
“For God’s sake, what’s happening in Amble? The council want to feel ashamed of themselves.” Ronnie Gibbard
“It’s a kick in the ********” David Whenray
“I’m really disappointed in this, the netball team suffer every year with the loss of players… mainly because of the exam closures. I really don’t know if we will have a team much longer.” Joanne Stone
“I’m really upset for our community I think we deserve better provision for our physical and mental well-being. It could have been about families and increasing provision for those who need help the most. They’re just going to knock it down? The county council should be ashamed of themselves.” Ciara Dawson
“This is sad news for the community of Amble and surrounding district. In the absence of a cohesive sports and leisure plan, retaining the Sports Hall would have ensured the community is well served for sports venues. The new High School will be able to provide some – but not all provision. Amble has produced many talented sportsmen and women, despite not having the benefit of facilities that other towns and villages have access to. Hopefully this decision can be considered again – Amble deserves better!” Ryan Jobson
Anna Williams
**This article has been updated to include a comment from an NCC spokesperson. **
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