Cheshire West and Chester insist the process of deciding the future of leisure facilities in the area will be ‘open and transparent’

Aug 19 2010 by Antonia Merola, Chester Chronicle

CHESHIRE West and Chester's recreation chief has denied there is secrecy regarding the future management of leisure facilities.

Cllr Richard Short (Con, Overleigh) was responding to a question from Blacon councillor Reggie Jones (Lab) who pointed out the trade unions had written to the press ‘expressing concern that the council should abandon its secrecy and start a proper process of consultation’.

Cllr Jones added: “Will Cllr Short ensure that the process for determining future investment will be open and transparent?”

Cllr Short insisted the trade unions had no need to write to newspapers to get an answer as ‘everything has been quite clear and open’.

A review of leisure assets had been the subject of extensive discussion and consultation, he said.

Councillors and staff had been briefed with the unions invited and attending.

A report to the council's executive had included the trade unions’ view.

Cllr Short added: “The subsequent stages of the process will continue to be open and transparent and will continue to have a full union involvement.

“There is no secrecy in this at all and for anyone to say that, they are completely mistaken.”