£200,600 needed to save centre

Sinn Fein has said unionist councillors would be guilty of bigotry if they went ahead with plans to sell Beechmount Leisure Centre…

Sinn Fein has said unionist councillors would be guilty of bigotry if they went ahead with plans to sell Beechmount Leisure Centre in west Belfast.

The proposal will be discussed at a Belfast City Council subcommittee meeting next month.

The Sinn Fein councillor, Mr Mairtin O Muilleoir, said the council needed just £200,000 tout of its £60 million budget to keep the centre open. "In October, the council will spend £50,000 on an eight day, all expenses paid trip to the US for five people. How then can it argue that it can't find £200,000 to save Beechmount Leisure Centre? It is a much needed amenity and 20 jobs will be lost if it closes."