Catmose Sports Centre Closure: A Broken Promise and Community Loss
Catmose Sports Centre, a beloved community hub in Oakham, faces closure despite a successful campaign to save it. This decision by the Rutland County Council, led by Councillor Gale Waller, has sparked outrage and accusations of broken promises.
In 2023, the Conservative-led council attempted to close Catmose, citing financial burdens. However, a passionate campaign by members, highlighting the centre's importance for mental and physical well-being across all ages, led to a reprieve. The council, now under Liberal Democrat control after a successful election campaign that partly focused on saving Catmose, conducted a fresh search for an operator.
Unfortunately, their search yielded no "no-cost" options. In April 2024, the council presented an impossible choice to its members: divert funding from flood prevention or from leisure activities. With limited options and a lack of creative solutions, the council voted to close Catmose. Most of the Liberal Democrats voted against their own recommendation.
This decision has devastated the community. They view it as a betrayal of the Liberal Democrats' campaign promises and a prioritization of short-term savings over public health. The lack of consideration for alternative solutions and the way staff learned about their job losses at a public meeting further fuel the outrage.
A petition is circulating, expressing dismay at the closure and the decision-making process. It calls for a vote of no confidence in Councillor Waller and Councillor Ellison, highlighting a lack of trust in the current leadership.
The future of Catmose Sports Centre remains uncertain. This situation underscores the importance of upholding promises, fostering community engagement, and prioritising the well-being of residents when making critical decisions.
