The local paper the Somerset County Gazette reports on the situation.

"HOPES that Taunton's last public squash courts  had won a stay of execution were dashed [today], amid fears that

 postponing their demolition would cost taxpayers up to £500,000.

The move comes in the aftermath of huge public opposition to plans by  Tone Leisure, which operates sports centres in Taunton and Wellington on behalf of Taunton Deane Council, to close its crèches, alter  subsidies to older people, and replace the squash courts at Blackbrook Pavilion with a bigger gym.

As reported, at a meeting of the full Taunton Deane Council on Tuesday, a motion tabled by the leader of the Conservative opposition,  Cllr John Williams, was passed by 26 votes to 21.

The terms of the motion were to provide Tone Leisure with enough money so it can retain the crèches and subsidies to older people.

The motion also appeared to be a stay of execution for the squash courts, saying that players should understand and accept the reasons for their removal before the builders moved in.

But yesterday it emerged that the motion was not binding and council red tape means only the authority's executive committee - which is  similar to the Government's cabinet - has the power to implement the motion.

At a special meeting of the executive - which is made up only of LibDem councillors - members passed a new resolution.

The result of the new motion is that the demolition of the squash courts is once again set to go ahead as planned, starting on July 28, and that talks with a view to retaining the crèches and the subsidies for older people should be pursued.

Today, a council spokesman said: "The motion, although carried by a majority of councillors, was not binding as the full council does not have the power of implementation. Full council is responsible for budget-setting and policy decisions only.

 http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/1.205211

Last updated 12:04, Thursday, 17 July 2008

DALTON'S long-awaited first sports hall is set to be ready in the autumn.  0438685  CERTAIN TO BE A BIG HIT: Ann Coward and headteacher Liz Moffatt get in some practice in front of the new sports hall CHRIS WARNER REF: 0438685
 

Cash for the project has come from the Big Lottery Fund, but more than £160,000 came from contributions and community fund-raising.

The community first started raising money for a sports hall for Dalton about 15 years ago.

The Dalton secondary school made a bid for lottery funding about 10 years ago, but there were other Cumbria projects ahead of Dowdales.
 

Building work on the sports hall started earlier this year. It is due to be ready for use in October.

The facility, on the school's Nelson Street grounds, will be used for many sports, including basketball, netball, five-a-side football, badminton, and cricket. It is due to have a reception, changing rooms, showers, spectator area, and an attached classroom.

Students currently use the school hall for indoor PE lessons.

The new sports hall will be used by the students in the day and will be available to the community and clubs and in the evenings and at weekends.

Liz Moffatt, the headteacher of Dowdales School, said: "It is the realisation of a long held dream and desire of the community to have this sports hall for the school and community. I hope it will bring the school and the community closer still."

Mrs Moffatt thanked the community for its commitment to getting the sports hall.

Ann Coward, an ex-Dalton mayor and former Dowdales chair of governors, was part of the community group that originally worked to get the facility.

Mrs Coward said: "It's been a long time coming.

It is absolutely fantastic. It is just what the town and the school needs.

"I have nothing but praise for the school and the community who fund-raised for this."

Mrs Coward said the sports hall will compliment facilities at the nearby Dalton Leisure Centre, which has a swimming pool, gymnasium, studio and squash courts.

Dowdales is running a competition to find a name for the sports hall.

It is hoped that the name will be snappy and reflect the local area.

The competition will be judged by the school's sports ambassadors and the sports complex management board.

The person who comes up with winning name will be a special guest at the official opening ceremony in November.

The school is also offering the chance to sponsor a plaque in the sports hall to extend the fund-raising to support the complex.

Competition entries should be sent to Deborah Brown, Sports Hall Competition, Dowdales School, Dalton, LA15 8AH. For further information about sponsoring a plaque or using the sports hall, call Dowdales School on 01229 897911 and leave a message for Deborah Brown, the school's extended services coordinator.