Residents call for support over pool (From News Shopper)

Residents call for support over pool

10:30am Tuesday 19th October 2004 in

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CALLS are being made for a rebellion in the Labour Party to support the threatened Ladywell Leisure Centre.

Tonight councillors will debate plans to demolish the swimming pool to make way for a new school and campaigners are asking for Labour members to ignore party pressures and vote with their conscience.

Save Ladywell Pool campaign organiser Max Calo claims the Lewisham Labour Party is demanding councillors vote with the mayor but this has been denied by party leaders.

At September's council meeting, Liberal Democrat Councillor Julia Fletcher proposed a motion calling for the leisure centre to remain open until a replacement is operational.

In response, Lewisham Mayor Steve Bullock asked for alternative suggestions for where the new school could be built, which are to be debated this evening as part of Cllr Fletcher's motion.

But Mr Calo believes the meeting will be a whitewash and a waste of time.

He said: "The decisions are taken by a group of individuals with safe seats.

"But Ladywell Leisure Centre is one of the community's best assets and we beg Labour councillors to rebel and choose to put Lewisham's best interests before their loyalty to the mayor and their party."

Many believe the Labour group is split and dissenting members will be pressured to back the mayor.

However, Lewisham Labour group leader Councillor Gavin Moore denied rumours of a split in the party.

He said: "On this issue and on many others, individual members have a range of views, but that is not the same as a split.

"Councillors will be discussing this together to reach a consensus."

Socialist Party member Councillor Chris Flood said: "If the debate is to be truly open and democratic, the Labour leadership will allow a free vote.

"There is dissent and disapproval among Labour councillors but the simple fact is they fear speaking out."

l A candle-lit vigil will be held outside Catford Town Hall from 6.30pm tonight opposing the pool's closure.