Bletchley Leisure Centre has recently notified members of changes that will be taking place – there is nothing about this on the Leisure Centre or MKCC website.
From Monday 24th August, the squash courts will close as the Centre prepares for work to begin and from Tuesday 25th August members will start to see works taking place for both of our new attractions. Some levels of disruption may occur at the Centre over the coming months while these projects get underway ready for completion in December. The cafe will close from Monday 14th September.
In summary, the squash courts will be replaced by a modern new soft play area for younger children, with comfortable seating for parents and carers, and the cafe will be the site of a new Splash Pad, alongside the pool. For more details, please see Bletchley Leisure Centre
Squash players have the option to use the squash courts at the Swan Pool & Leisure Centre, Buckingham where Bletchley squash customers will receive a discounted court hire rate of £6.80, reduced from the usual price of £9.80.
BPARA members have complained about the poor condition of the changing facilities, and BPARA provided photos to Leisure & Sports Partnership at MKCC. MKCC have replied “that the wet side changing rooms are scheduled to undergo some minor refurbishment works i.e. painting, deep cleaning, repairs etc. in November coinciding with the start of the Splash Pad project. As this work will require the temporary closure of the swimming pool, it provides Serco with an opportunity to refresh the wet side changing rooms at the same time.”
MKCC has also advised that the new lift for the car park has been procured and is on order.
News about the changes was shared with members of COBRA (Consortium of Bletchley Residents Associations) which includes BPARA. The changes differ drastically from those announced in January by former Ward Councillor Mick Legg and not shared with the two local councils. Many residents from across Bletchley and Fenny Stratford have since been in touch to express their dissatisfaction with the changes, and lack of prior consultation/notification.
BPARA emailed Cllr Jane Carr, MKCC Leader, on 1 September to express residents’ concerns but did not receive a response or acknowledgement within 48 hours as promised. BPARA emailed her again (on a non-political basis), copy to Cllr Ed Hume, fellow Cabinet Member from Bletchley, as follows:
- The lack of any recent information might appear to be a deliberate attempt by MKCC not to publicly disclose the changes unless Serco proceeded without recourse to MKCC! Agreements/contracts to undertake the changes must have been made some time ago – would this have been before or after the local elections and who made the decision?
- Were other Cabinet Members, both pre- and post-elections, aware of the changes? If so, did any speak against this underhand process and insist that the proposed changes be made available to the public and two councils before a decision was made?
- When will the carpark lift be installed?
After the excellent Town Deal community engagement, MKCC has scored an almighty own goal with the Leisure Centre, and Bletchley/Fenny Stratford residents can be excused for thinking again that MKCC does not care about us, and that our views do not matter! The lack of response to BPARA’s first email leaves an uneasy feeling that Serco may have proceeded for commercial reasons (the replacement lift will be very expensive), without recourse to its client, MKCC. Work should be put on stop until the facilities required by the community have been determined.
