Star date: January 30th 2012

BROUGHTON REC – OPEN OR CLOSED?

The Future of Broughton Recreation Centre
Feedback Event, Tuesday 31st January
11am-7pm plus presentations 1-2pm/5-6pm

Last year saw demos and protests against the possible closure of Broughton Rec due to Salford City Council cuts. The Fit City Centre, on Camp Street, Lower Broughton, was popular with sports clubs, community groups and climbing enthusiasts but was destined to be demolished, until Broughton Database looked to take over the centre.

Tomorrow sees a community feedback event on the Database's consultation for the future of Broughton Rec and everyone's invited…

More details here…

"We have to find savings somewhere" was the excuse by Salford Council Leader, John Merry, for withdrawing funding from Broughton Fit City last year. The decision drew demos and protests outside the Centre as it looked like demolition was the future for Broughton Rec.

In an effort to keep the Rec open, Broughton Database, which is housed in the building, looked to take over the running over the Centre and, as part of this process, carried out a consultation last September with the local community on possible future uses.

Feedback from this consultation is taking place at Broughton Rec tomorrow, Tuesday 31st January with an all day exhibition (11am-7pm) and a presentation over two periods: 1'til 2pm and 5 'til 6pm.

"The consultation shone a bright light on many areas that local people feel are lacking, and brought forth a wealth of ideas and suggestions that were as repetitive as they were innovative; from health-related ideas to business-related suggestions" says Karen Gibsey of Broughton Database.

"Our organisation recognises the importance of Broughton Recreation Centre to the Broughton Community" she adds "and we are determined to do all that we can to save it and turn it into a place the community can call their own."

During last year's demos, local resident Madge Kelly said "I think it's disgusting that they're thinking of closing the Rec as it's always been well used. I think Countryside Properties just wants rid of it. They've spent millions down here but they're taking everything away from the children, they'll have nowhere to go."

Is Countryside Properties putting anything in to save Broughton Rec? Will local children have anywhere to go? These questions and more will start to be answered, we hope, at tomorrow's feedback session.

The Future of Broughton Recreation Centre
Feedback Event,
Broughton Fit City, Camp Street, Lower Broughton
Tuesday 31st January
Exhibition open 11am-7pm
Presentations 1-2pm/5-6pm

See previous Salford Star features on Broughton Rec - click here and click here