Seaton & Colyton MATTERS

I have been approached by many users of Leisure East Devon dance and fitness classes held at Colyton Leisure Centre, who are angry about proposals under discussion by Colyton Grammar School (of which the centre is part) to end LED’s use of it on two mornings each week, which enables these classes to take place.

The users, 170 of whom have signed a petition to the school, are rightly concerned that this change has been under discussion between the school and LED for 9 months without their being consulted, yet it could be implemented as early as Christmas.

Today I met with the Headteacher, Mr Tim Harris, and Chair of the school’s Trustees, Mr Barry Sindall, to present the users’ concerns. They reassured me that they remain committed to community use of the centre, that evening, weekend and holiday activities are not affected, and that there will be no early move to change the dance studio into a fitness centre.

However I remain very concerned that the morning classes, which are highly valued by local people and make a contribution to local wellbeing resources, could be ended precipitately. I have urged the school and LED, whose CEO Mr Peter Gilpin assures me they wish to continue the classes, to find a way in which the daytime classes under threat can be maintained. They are apparently meeting soon and as soon as I hear anything further I will post it.