Leisure plans revealed

WINSFORDIANS have been given the chance to see architects plans for a new leisure complex in the town centre.

Residents were given the first glimpse of the designs for the facility at The Drumber during workshops at the civic hall yesterday, Tuesday.

If the controversial plans are given the go ahead it would see the existing civic hall building and the Dingle Centre close.

The plans will also be on display in the foyer at Wyvern House until tomorrow and borough council officials are encouraging leisure users to put their views forward.

Many residents and councillors are protesting against the £5million scheme in a bid to keep the existing civic hall building.

Town councillor Brian Hall said: "I think this is a facility that duplicates a lot that we have already got in the town.

"What we really need is for the council to consider upgrading the civic hall building we have now.

"These plans were first put forward three or four years ago and a lot has changed in that time.

"I am more interested in the reasons why they want to close the civic hall because all they ever seem to say is that it's past its sell by date.

"But that alone isn't a good enough reason because we can upgrade and maintain the existing building."

Clr Hall believes the borough council will have to reconsider its proposal if public opinion from the consultation is against it.

He said: "If there is an overwhelming public response against this then I don't think the borough council will have any choice but to look at it again."