MP fears city’s savings plan will run athletics into the ground

Public talks began last year about possible changes to the way elite-level gymnasts train in the city as part of a move to save money.

At present Leeds City Council manages performance gymnastics training but it is now being proposed that an independent club is set up to take over the training scheme.

It is envisaged the club would be able to run itself and expand to offer all ages and abilities the chance to enjoy the sport.

Talks are still at an early stage but it is proposed the club is moved from its current home at Leeds Metropolitan University’s Carnegie sports centre, in Headingley, to an area of the John Charles Centre for Sport currently used for bowls and an indoor athletics centre which would be partly closed.

Bowls would still be possible at the centre but it would not be possible to provide space for indoor athletics.

Last night, Greg Mulholland, MP for Leeds North West, called for the authority to rethink its plans which will force Leeds City Athletics Club from its current indoor training facilities at John Charles Sports Centre. The athletics club face the prospect of losing access to indoor facilities that are vital in ensuring athletes can train all year around whatever the weather.

He is also concerned that the move will leave athletes of all abilities without the proper support and training opportunities that they need.

The Liberal Democrat MP wants to see both athletics and gymnastics supported in the city.

Mr Mulholland said: “I believe that both athletics and gymnastics provision in Leeds needs to be fully supported, to ensure that both can deliver a diverse, high quality service to the Leeds community.

“Whilst I sympathise with the council’s need to reduce spending in financially difficult times, it does not excuse the lack of consultation, and apparent sidelining, of the athletics club.

“It is vital that the people of Leeds have access to a range of sporting opportunities. The council should be encouraging a rich variety of these organisations, and to effectively prioritise one group above another is wrong.

“I hope that the council reflect on the handling of this case so far and ensure that Leeds Athletics Club receives the same level of support as any other sporting organisation in the city, and ensures its members have access to the facilities they deserve and need.”

Last night a council spokesman said the authority was not in a position to comment on Mr Mulholland’s claims but stressed a statement would be made clarifying the issue in the next few days.

Earlier this month the council unveiled its proposals for gymnastics which it stressed were still at an early stage. Council bosses have said that moving gymnastics to the John Charles Centre for Sport, in South Leeds, would mean current indoor athletics facilities would have to be axed as the space and equipment needed for gymnastics and athletics are incompatible.

In its statement earlier this month the authority said discussions were due to take place with current athletics users, those from Leeds City Athletics Club, England Athletics and Sport England to consider the impact of the proposals and any possible alternative training provision, but an adjacent outdoor track will still be available for use by athletes.

The authority says the centre had 7,700 visits by athletes in the last 12 months, compared with an estimated 30,000 expected visits per year by gymnasts of all ages and abilities if the changes were to be given the go-ahead.

Council bosses in the city have said they believe if the new club expanded, hosted recreational gymnastics and ran the centre itself, the move could save the local authority approximately £300,000 per year.