I WAS concerned to read that Alan Doust, head teacher of the Community College in Bishop's Castle, fears for the future of the leisure centre on the school’s site, if educational spending cuts go ahead.
The SpArc (or sports and arts centre) is essential to the life of the people living in the Bishop's Castle area. We live a long way from any other centre and public transport is almost non-existent at the times needed.
Since April 2013, Shropshire Council has been given the responsibility (and funding too) for the health and well-being of its residents. SpArc should be seen as a vital player in delivering this.
The site is not just a leisure centre, but a sports and fitness centre, (also used by the school during the daytime) staffed by trained fitness instructors who help people plan a programme to enhance their health.
Many users, including myself, are over 60, and some even in their eighties. We are convinced that it is our use of facilities such as the swimming pool and the gym that keeps us out of accident and emergency. I suspect the local GPs might agree.
Similarly, the arts side of the centre’s activities, currently run by Enterprise South West Shropshire, adds much to our cultural life, with plays, films, live performances and an art gallery.
These are just as educational, for old and young, as the swimming lessons offered at the pool which keep our youngsters alive.
I cannot understand how Shropshire Council can view the upkeep of SpArc as anything other than educational, and put its existence at risk by threatening loss of education funding.
JUDITH PAYNE
Union Street, Bishops Castle