Lib Dems: We need a new school AND community sports facilities, not one or the other

9.39.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sat 20th Jun 2009

For years, Kensington & Chelsea Liberal Democrats team have been campaigning for a new secondary school in North Kensington. The Council have finally announced that it intends to build one - on the site of the North Kensington Sports Centre on Lancaster Road.

The Council say that the existing sports centre would be renovated and 'may or may not be linked to the new school'.

Carol Caruana, Lib Dem candidate for the Colville By-Election, said: "The Council needs to come clean about what will happen to the pool and sports facilities. 'May or may not' is not good enough. Sharing swimming facilities with a school means no community use during school hours. For the elderly and disabled, and those with small children, using a swimming pool during the day is essential for recreation and physical exercise.

"The Council want to build houses on the site to help fund the new school. Private housing should not take priority over an essential public facility like a swimming pool. The site is only small. The school, the swimming pool and the sports centre must take priority over property development."