Lib Dems Demand Action on Sport

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 26th Sep 2006

Liberal Democrat Councillors in Norwich have called for more community use of sporting facilities at city schools.

Cllr Brian Watkins, Deputy Leader of Norwich Lib Dem Councillors

Cllr Brian Watkins said that more facilities at city schools should be available for out of hours use in order to help promote the development of local sport. The call came in a motion to tonight's meeting of all Norwich City Councillors.

"There are large open spaces which are not used after 4pm in school term time, or during the school holidays," said Cllr Watkins. "We appreciate what the County Council is already doing to make school sports facilities available, but more could be done. We would like the City Council to consult with the County Council to see how this might be achieved.

"We believe there is a pent-up demand for people to play more sport, keep fitter and prepare for the Olympics. It is important to realise the full potential of the facilities and particularly our youngsters, keeping them active and engaged."

The Liberal Democrat motion was passed overwhelmingly. An attempt by the only two Conservative Norwich Councillors to amend the motion to avoid consulting Norfolk County Council, which runs state schools in Norfolk, was defeated.

Related Link:

Personal Best: Lib Dem Policy paper on Sport and Fitness.