COUNCILLOR Michael Webb’s Jewel in the Crown has a major flaw which will reduce participation in community sport. How can this be a sensible plan for the future of the Dolphin Centre when the population of Bromsgrove is increasing and the need for sports facilities has never been greater?

Council members were advised in June that Sports England had concluded there was sufficient sports hall provision in the area. What information did Sport England have concerning Bromsgrove’s sports halls prior to giving this vital advice to councillors?

The alternative Ryland Centre Hall is now considered by Sport England and the national governing bodies to be unsuitable as it does not allow the recommended court sizes and limits teaching, coaching and flexibility of use.

A sports hall will be of far more benefit to the health of the community than the proposed sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi. I agree with Councillor Luke Mallett that “this needs to go back to cabinet to have a further look at”.

Community sport should not be snuffed out by a failure by our council to realise that a community sports hall is still very much needed at the Dolphin Centre.

Polly Gerner Deansway Bromsgrove.