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| Parish Councillor, Rolli Rowlands |
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The popular Marchwood Sports & Social Club is threatened with closure after a decision by Tory Cabinet members on New Forest District Council. For the past 13 years, the authority has acted as the middle-man landlord for the property owners, Oceanic Estates. However, in a shock move, the conservative-run authority has decided not to offer the club a lifeline out of a short term financial crisis.
Local Liberal Democrat Councillor, Graham Walmsley, unsuccessfully tried persuading the ruling Tory Cabinet members to help the club, describing it as "A wonderful facility, epitomising everything you would want in a community club".
Ironically, the club is undergoing extensive redecoration and refurbishment. Many organisations in the village use the club, including the local youth club, badminton players and junior & senior football teams. A local youth worker has expressed similar fears about closure, saying that "Without the facility, up to 40 young people who regularly use the club would have nowhere else to go".
Tory councillors, who are still defending yet another above inflation council tax increase, claim that there is not enough left in council coffers to help out.
Councillor, Rolli Rowlands, a new Liberal Democrat addition to the Parish Council says " Marchwood residents are paying more than ever to the District Council in tax, yet they can't find a few thousand pounds to keep this important facility open. I'm disgusted". |
