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Kidsgrove Sports Centre
09 June 2020
Lead MP
Jonathan Gullis
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
NHSTaxationCulture, Media & SportBenefits & WelfareMental HealthLocal Government
Other Contributors: 7
At a Glance
Jonathan Gullis raised concerns about kidsgrove sports centre in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Jonathan Gullis welcomed the Minister and discussed the importance of Kidsgrove sports centre, a community asset opened in 1976. He highlighted the centre's closure due to storm damage in 2011 and subsequent discussions that led to its announced closure in 2017. Gullis emphasised the centre's role in promoting physical and mental wellbeing, especially during the pandemic. He praised community efforts led by the Kidsgrove Sports Centre Community Group and urged the Government to commit funds for renovation. The speech detailed the financial implications of the centre’s closure on public health, community interaction, and local economic activity. Gullis requested support from Sport England and the Government to fund a £5.5 million refurbishment project.
Karen Bradley
Con
Staffordshire Moorlands
Asked Jonathan Gullis about putting aside differences to reopen Kidsgrove sports centre.
Aaron Bell
Con Democrat
North West Durham
Congratulated Gullis and acknowledged the wider implications of reopening the sports centre for his constituents.
Andy Carter
Con
Wirral South
Discussed the impact of COVID-19 on sports clubs and praised efforts to support them with grants.
James Daly
Lab
Bury North
Congratulated Gullis for his speech and shared experiences regarding the loss of a local football club in Bury.
James Sunderland
Con
Hastings and Rye
Inquired about legitimate use of public money to support facilities like Kidsgrove sports centre.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Complimented Gullis on his energy and commitment, and highlighted the importance of funding for community-led sports clubs.
Richard Holden
Con
North West Durham
Agreed that councils should invest in sports facilities rather than new buildings, citing similar obesity issues in County Durham.
Government Response
NHSTaxationCulture, Media & SportBenefits & WelfareMental HealthLocal Government
Government Response
Minister Nigel Huddleston thanked Jonathan Gullis for raising the issue of Kidsgrove sports centre. He acknowledged the importance of accessible sport facilities for all communities, especially in promoting physical and mental health. The minister highlighted Sport England's existing investments in the west midlands, including the Dimensions sport and leisure centre and an indoor cricket facility. He reiterated that Sport England is committed to supporting Kidsgrove’s efforts towards reopening the sports centre through dialogue and potential funding opportunities from its strategic facilities fund and communities assets fund. Huddleston encouraged continued conversations with local authorities and community groups to identify a viable way forward, emphasising the Government's commitment to encouraging active lifestyles and levelling up across the UK.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.