Referendum on £13m centre scheme

A dispute between the centre plan and the local rugby club has been settled

A referendum is being held on plans for a £13m Northamptonshire leisure centre after opponents of the scheme petitioned the town council.

East Northamptonshire Council backs the Manor Park centre in Rushden, calling it vital for the future of leisure facilities in the area.

But 10 electors at a Rushden Parish meeting called for a parish poll on the plan. It will be on 3 December.

Opponents are concerned over the £13m cost and question the need for centre.

The centre will have swimming pool, a sports hall, dance and exercise studios, a health and fitness suite and theatre.

'Vote for future'

Rushden resident Derek Wood, one of those calling for the poll, said: "We already have a perfectly good swimming pool, which is only 19 years old, and leisure centre in Rushden.

"The council are going to borrow at least half of the money and it will leave local taxpayers having to pay for it."

Colin Wright, leader of Rushden Town Council, said: "A 'Yes vote' is a vote for the future of Rushden and a fantastic new leisure facility that the town can be proud of.

"A 'No vote' would be a vote for no leisure facilities at all in a few years' time when the Splash Pool and Pemberton become too expensive to maintain."

The poll will ask: "A new leisure and sports facility is being proposed for Manor Park, Rushden. Are you in favour of this development on this site? Yes/No."

The vote is not legally binding on the council and would only demonstrate public opinion on the issue.

The poll will be run by East Northamptonshire Council on behalf of Rushden Town Council.