Uckfield Leisure Centre campaigners welcome a promise to see what can be done to keep it open

At the first meeting of the new Wealden District Council, newly elected Labour councillor Daniel Manvell (Uckfield North) asked the new Wealden District Council Leader to confirm they would explore extending Uckfield Leisure Centre's lease by a year, with a view to securing a permanent solution.

The new Leader responded simply by saying "Yes." You can view this by downloading the video attachment, or on the Council's website. When asked for more detail by Cllr Manvell, he responded that the new Council would "just get on with it."

This unequivocal response was welcomed by Cllr Manvell and the "Save Uckfield Leisure Centre" campaign team. Cllr Manvell says: "We have been working hard for months to secure this result, delivering over 5,000 leaflets, holding weekly street stalls in Uckfield High Street and spreading the word on social media. The response from local residents has been overwhelming, both in their support for the leisure centre and at the ballot box earlier this month." Cllr Manvell also organised the Uckfield Leisure Centre protest rally in March, which was attended by hundreds of local residents.

This news comes during the final opportunity to complete the Uckfield Leisure Centre consultation, which closes on Saturday 27 May. The consultation is being run by East Sussex County Council as owners of the building, following the recent decision of the previous Wealden Cabinet not to renew their lease of the building.

Note: 

• Wealden District Council's two new Labour members are a notable addition, as they are the first to be elected in Wealden's 50-year existence.
• For more information, including about final campaign sessions planned, please contact Daniel Manvell on cllr.daniel.manvell@wealden.gov.uk or on 0749 1000 034.