COUNCILLORS and shopkeepers are throwing their weight behind plans for a £26m centre of sporting excellence in Middlewich.
Theyaredrumming upsupportforthe centre, which will be built on Midpoint 18 Business Park, Pochin Way, if planning permission is granted later this month.
The centre will house world-class facilities including an Olympic-size pool, the UK's first dedicated basketball court with a 1,400-seater stadium and 14 elite badminton courts. Middlewich town councillor Jean Eaton said: 'Everybody is absolutely over the moon. There is a real positive feeling about this from all the councillors. I think we are all unanimous in thinking that it's an excellent idea. We have been promised leisure facilities in the past, but we are confident that it's going to happen this time.
'I have lived in Middlewich for 35 years and I know of at least two house-to-house collections to raise money for a swimming pool.
'Butthissports complexwilloffermuch more. There will be facilities for squash, badminton, indoor bowls, basketball and many other sports. It's much more than we could have ever hoped for.
'People are saying 'why Middlewich?' Well, I would say 'why not Middlewich?' The town has always been the last in line for facilities. Let it be the first for a change!
'We have been waiting for it for a long time. Plus, there will be a cycle route, bus transportation to and from the site and a safe walkway so, if it all goes to plan, it will be wonderful.'
She added: 'I love swimming and, being slightly disabled, the first question I asked was whether the sports centre would have disabled facilities. I was really pleased to find out that it will be fully equipped with parking, easy access and other amenities.'
Fellow town councillor Dorothy Bas-ford said: 'Everybody I have spoken to has been amazed. It will boost the economy and profile of the town.
'We have been assured that the sports complex would be open to everyone, not just elitists and professionals.'
Traders in the town are also backing the proposal.
Aiden Devaney, who owns Devaney's Butchers Shop in Wheelock Street, said: 'Something like this would benefit families and the community as a whole.
'It could also have a knock-on effect on the town and attract inward investment. I hope that the company will use local suppliers and traders because it is important to 'buy local'.'
