COUNCILLOR PREDICTS BRIGHT FUTURE FOR SPORT IN YORK

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 25th Jun 2009

New Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Leisure and Culture, Councillor Nigel Ayre has predicted a bright future for leisure services in the city ahead of a meeting with the Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe MP.

Councillor Ayre will meet with the Minister tomorrow along with sporting and leisure partners from across the region to discuss the future of sport in the city.

Councillor Ayre, who took up the role of Executive Member for Leisure and Culture last month, said he was keen to discuss how York could benefit from the planned legacy for the 2012 Olympic Games. He said, "The government have made a commitment to get 1 million more people participating in sport as a legacy of the 2012 games, York will have a big role to play if that aim is to be achieved."

"The Council is committed to making York a healthy city by encouraging as many people as possibly to be physically active."

Councillor Ayre added, "There are a lot of fantastic facilities for leisure in the city, with even more on the way."

"We have already seen an increase in usage across our facilities following previous improvement work. Yearsley Pool usage has increased 12.5% in the last four years despite a significant period when it was closed for refurbishment. Oaklands has performed even better with an increased patronage of 260% over the same period."

"We should also be proud that Oaklands Sports Centre was the first such facility in the country to receive the Inclusive Fitness Mark, recognising the work that has been done to meet the needs of disabled users."

"The new swimming pool at Oaklands will be an excellent addition to the sports centre and will provide fantastic new facilities as well as doubling the size of the gym."

Councillor Ayre said he was keen to focus his efforts on facilities for the city's swimmers. He said, "The new pool at Oaklands, which will be open in the autumn, will be bigger than originally planned meaning it will be able to accommodate even more people."

"The agreed increase in budget of £1.2 million will see more lanes than originally planned as well as the inclusion of a new hydrotherapy pool as well as significant use of sustainable technology. Having already seen the impressive results of the investment we put into Yearsley I can't wait to see the new pool open.

"However, it is clear that people want even more swimming facilities so I will do all I can to help move things forward with the University Pool, as well as looking at all the other available options."

As a member of New Earswick Swimming Club when I was younger I know both the importance and the enjoyment that comes from swimming. I have fond memories of competing in swimming galas all over Yorkshire."

"Swimming is a great way to get fit and it is right that we do all we can to allow more people to take part, that is why in 2008 we introduced free swimming for under 16s and over 60s."

"I look forward to meeting with the Sports Minister to discuss how we can take things forward in York."