We are taking a hard look at the future of St Crispin’s Leisure Centre and need to have an open conversation with residents about the options available.
We are not doing this lightly; although the numbers have been falling, we know there are still people who use the centre and value it greatly – that is why we are running an eight-week consultation to allow a wide range of views to be heard.
It is important at the start of this consultation to be clear on a few things.
Firstly, nothing has been decided yet. We will use the consultation feedback alongside other factors to make a final decision later in the year. Therefore, whether you support keeping the centre open or believe the site could be put to better use, we want to hear your views.
Secondly, consultations are not referendums. We will certainly use the findings from this consultation as part of the decision-making process, but it is not a straight vote – that is not the right use of consultations which should, instead be used, alongside other information, to help make decisions.
For consultation to be fair, open and reasonable, they cannot be about who can shout the loudest but rather about getting a better understanding of the community’s needs and aspirations.
Thirdly, the decision to consider the centre’s future is not about cutting costs (although we will obviously consider value for money when making any decisions).
With the way our contract is set up with Places Leisure – who run our council-owned leisure centres – works means we will not save money should the decision be made to close.
The issue is more that we have a lot of assets and we have to make the best use of them for the community as a whole. With the falling usage at St Crispins and other potential uses being identified, it is the right time to think about its future.
Lastly, I must mention the squash players who use the centre very regularly. We understand their position is different from other people who use the centre because the council does not own any other squash courts – although there are other courts in the borough and nearby.
We have arranged a dedicated session to talk to these players and are open to more meetings with them as the consultation continues. At this stage we can’t make promises about future squash provision because we are still gathering information (including through the consultation) to help make a decision.
But I can make a promise that we will talk to the squash players and to anybody else with an interest in the future of the centre so we have as comprehensive consultation as possible.
If you would like to ask questions about this consultation, please come along to one of the drop-in sessions at the centre on:
Tuesday, July 18 – noon-1.30pm, and 2pm-3pm. This additional session is reserved for members of the regular squash league at St Crispin’s Leisure Centre.
Thursday, July 20 – 5.30pm- 7pm
Saturday, July 22 – noon-1.30pm
Wednesday, July 26 – noon-1.30pm
Friday, July 28 – 5.30pm-7pm
Sunday, July 30 – noon-1.30pm
Alternatively log on to Wokingham Borough Council’s website: https://engage.wokingham.gov.uk/en-GB/projects/st-crispins-leisure-centre
Cllr Ian Shenton is the executive member for environment, sport and leisure at Wokingham Borough Council and ward member for Evendons
