Community centre should be run for the community

mayo | consumer issues | press release Saturday October 02, 2004 02:14 by Cllr Keith Martin - Independent kmartin at dna dot ie Westport Mayo Ireland

Cllr calls for discount for unemployed and facilities for the disabled

Independent Westport Town Councillor Keith Martin has called on Westport Leisure Centre, which is owned by the local authority, to provide a discount to the unwaged and to provide a lift for the disabled into the swimming pool.

Independent Westport Town Councillor Keith Martin has called on Westport Leisure Centre, which is owned by the local authority, to provide a discount to the unwaged and to provide a lift for the disabled into the swimming pool.

Cllr Martin says he was surprised to learn that there was no discount for the unwaged at Westport Leisure Park and dismayed to find that there is still no lift for the disabled into the swimming pool since the last one was removed some time ago.

Cllr Martin adds “There isn’t a local authority owned centre or swimming pool this side of the Shannon which doesn’t offer a discount to the unwaged. Westport is the only one and it is not right. There are plenty of people, who for one reason or another, find themselves unemployed, as despite the excellent local and national economy there are still unwaged people and we should not forget them. The local, community owned, leisure centre and swimming pool should provide a discount the unemployed especially where children are involved.

“Worse again is the fact that when I raised the issue of a discount with management I was told there never was a discount and as far as they were concerned there never will be one. I find this to be an incorrect attitude in a community owned centre.

“The issue of the disabled lift is also a big concern. The lack of a lift means the swimming pool is inaccessible to the disabled or to those unable to pull themselves in and out of the water. There has been no lift for a long time now and when I asked what was being done I was told there was little demand for a lift but that a new one was planned. This has gone on too long already and is an area that needs action today.

“A community leisure centre should be run for the community and that includes the unwaged and the disabled. I want action now”