Chelmsford continues to wait for public consultation on the Riverside

3.11.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 23rd Jul 2008

Lib Dem campaigners and the Riverside Action Group protesting at the lack of consultation over the Conservative plans

At July's meeting of Chelmsford Borough Council, Lib Dem group leader Mike Mackrory presented Roy Whitehead with a petition containing 1,250 signatures. These included over 20 current and former Olympic, World, European, Commonwealth and British national swimmers, divers, coaches and trainers. In particular, Great Baddow swimmer Rebecca Gallantree who (together with Tom Daley, the European Gold diving medallist and Olympic medal prospect) is representing Great Britain at the Olympic Games in Beijing.

Following pressure from the Liberal Democrats, the Conservative run administration has at last agreed to produce costed figures for an outdoor pool and for a diving pool. However, it has now been almost three months since they agreed to a Liberal Democrat motion calling for more public consultation. They have yet to produce any details on what this will entail or when it will take place.

Cllr. Mackrory commented "Chelmsford residents have a right to know what is happening regarding the future of Riverside. We hear a lot of talk about involving the public in the decision-making process, but we are not seeing any action."

The Liberal Democrats want to see the best possible replacement leisure centre, with a wide range of facilities. These should include a multi-purpose main hall and ice rink alongside new pool facilities. The Conservatives, who claim to be 'the party of democracy in Essex' consistently refuse to consult the public on a range of fully-costed options.