Michelle writes: Back in December, I explained that Harrogate Borough Council (HBC) planned to pull out of the management of Rossett Sports Centre as of October 2012. We were all unhappy about this prospect and worried by the potential loss of well-used facilities, such as the all-weather pitch used extensively for matches and training by local football teams. HBC were looking to make cost savings for 2012/13 and this proposal contributed to approximately £64,000 of savings over the year.
Jim and I sit on the Overview and Scrutiny Commitee and we played a key role in scrutinising the budget and the proposed cuts. We were passionate about protecting the services and we made the recommendation that the proposal to pull out of the management of the sports centre should only go ahead if there were alternative arrangements made before the council pulled out. We're pleased to say that this recommendation was included.
This means that although ALL Councillors voted to pass the budget, that HBC will not withdraw until a suitable alternative to take over the sports centre management has been established. To this end, HBC have begun talks with Rossett School and the school is giving serious consideration as to how it can continue with giving community access outside of school hours. We're reassured that HBC is committed to seeking alternative arrangements and we'll keep you posted on any future developments. Needless to say, Jim and will offer support wherever we can be useful.
If anyone has any comments, please do get in touch.
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
Friday, 3 February 2012
Harlow Hill Methodist Church
Michelle writes: Jim and I were delighted to be invited by Charlotte South to see the new porch and improvements to the front area of Harlow Hill Church. It's the only church in the local area with an important community space; we're supporting it and we hope that you will too.
Charlotte South has made this contribution to explain more:
The development
at the Church has generated significant local interest and now completed makes
a really big difference to the appearance of the building but is also
practically much more useful in that it has created a small room for meetings
etc. The Church currently comprises of a well-used community hall which some 13
groups use on a regular basis. This room is also available for hire for parties
or other one off events. In addition there is a large comfortable room on the
second floor available to hire and the Church itself now that this can be
accessed from the new porch. Toilet facilities are available on both floors and
there is a new kitchen with hot water boiler.
Members at Harlow Hill Methodist Church would really like to
welcome members of the community to use our building and would like to
encourage anyone to get in touch with us who might like to book any of the
facilities we have. For full details contact Lorna on 521086. Church services
are held each Sunday at 10 am and children are welcome. More activities for
children are being planned for the forthcoming year and your support would be
much appreciated.
The porch development has cost a significant amount to
complete and during the year it is hoped that local residents will support
various fund-raising initiatives to be held. The first Saturday of the month is
always used to run a coffee morning from 10 am – 12 noon with cake stall,
jigsaw and book club. On Saturday 18 February members will be running the
refreshments at Wesley Chapel in Harrogate. The grand opening of the new porch
will take place over the weekend of Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 when several
events are being planned. Also on the list for this year are a concert, auction
or promises and sponsored walk. If anyone feels they can help us by donating an
item or skill for the auction or would like to get involved in any other way,
please contact Charlotte on 563502.
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