Alicia Kearns, MP for Rutland and Melton, has released a statement concerning the future of Catmose Sports centre, following the announcement by Rutland County Council that the facility will be closing to the public on 31 March 2023.

Catmose Sports Centre, attached to Catmose College and used by the school and students as well as over 900 members, is an Oakham-based sports facility run by Stevenage Leisure Ltd.

Following the pandemic, the pool was permanently closed, meaning that there was no public pool in Rutland's County Town - much to the dismay of local residents.

Now, Rutland County Council have announced that the gym, classes and halls will be closing to the public on 31 March although, alongside Catmose College, they are "taking forward joint proposals that will – if approved by both organisations – allow many local community groups and sports clubs to keep using facilities at the college site after the closure of Catmose Sports Centre."

Now, Ms Kearns has added her voice to the loud reaction concerning the closure of this facility.

Alicia Kearns said: "I am very hopeful that a solution can be found so people - in particular community groups - can keep using the Sports Centre, and there is much work being done by the Council behind the scenes to do exactly this. 

Rutland County Council launched a search for a new provider who could operate without meaningful council subsidy, but I am informed that no prospective operators were identified through this process. 

Catmose itself is extremely keen to find a solution, however it is not right that money for our childrens' education is spent subsidising leisure or that some expect the school to operate as a commercial enterprise. As ever the school is incredibly engaged in the interests of our communities.

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I have made clear the strong feelings of our local communities to RCC, and I know this was not a decision made lightly by Councillors, who were unanimous that there was no option to continue as was given the significant financial implications.

I do believe there are solutions, I have put forward some myself to the Council, and I know the Leader is working hard to identify possibilities for community groups. But I entirely understand the concerns of many people locally."

Read more about the closure here.

Alternatively, click here to find out how you can watch the livestream of the meeting, set to take place at the Rutland Council offices tonight, Monday 6 January, concerning the future of the facility.

This meeting will begin at 7pm.