Sports groups fight to retain use of council pavilion

February 28, 2001:

Athletic groups and residents are protesting against the partial privatisation of a sports pavilion which would cut public access to facilities.

John Billam Youth Sports Centre in Woodcock Avenue, Kenton has been used by schools and athletic groups since it was built in 1967 as a gym and changing facilities for an adjoining playing field. But Brent Council padlocked the pavilion's doors two years ago, saying it was too expensive to maintain.

The money problems will be solved, the council claims, by leasing the facility to the Gujarati Arya Association for 125 years. According to the terms of the lease, the Association must allow other groups to use the facilities for athletic activities for 20 hours per week. The council claims that revenue generated will finance maintenance of the playing fields.

But opponents claim the scheme will be the death knell for sports at the facility which are incompatible with the Association's plans to use the pavilion for private events.

The controversy is drawing an array of political interests into the fray. Brent North MP Barry Gardiner, in a break with his own party, opposes the lease.

"The John Billam Pavilion is the gateway to the John Billam playing field," said Mr Gardiner. "If there's no good access to the changing facilities there's no good access to the playing field."

Minister for Sport Kate Hoey MP has joined Mr Gardiner, and the two say other options should be pursued. They report that Sport England has indicated that a bid for a lottery grant to maintain the facility may succeed.

On February 23, campaigners presented a petition with over 1,300 signatures to the council urging it not to sign the lease. The council has already agreed the deal, but opponents are hoping that there is a possibility for an appeal.

Richard Cotton, Brent Labour Group spokesman, offered little hope: "The council has made a decision on the John Billam Sports Pavilion, and it was made by the highest authority in the council."

Fight to save sports club looks set to fail

April 11, 2001:

The sell-off of the John Billam Sports Pavilion is expected to go ahead continue despite widespread protest.

Brent Council recommended the sale should continue. However, user groups are considering legal action to combat the sale.

A petition of more than 1,300 residents opposing the plan, supported by Brent North MP Barry Gardiner, Tory councillors and the Brent's Schools Football Association, has been presented to the council.

The campaign was kicked off after a public notice was placed by mistake in local newspapers, which technically was unnecessary as only open land, not buildings, require public consultation.

Conservative councillors had hoped to delay any sale so campaigners could seek lottery funding and put together an alternative bid, but this was rejected by the Labour administration.

John Billam sports ground is situated off Woodcock Hill, Kenton, and comprises playing fields, a car park and a pavilion which requires a comprehensive refurbishment, estimated at £150,000.

According to Bob Blackman, Conservative group leader, campaigners are now considering resorting to the courts. "This is the largest petition we have seen in Brent for many years, and Labour just ignores the views of the public. There was no need to rush to sell the Sports Pavilion as the financial year has only just begun. The council could, and should, have taken the opportunity to allow the users to put together an alternative bid, which would then allow all the community to access the facilities."

But a council spokesman said: "The offer of £500,000 for the premises from the Gujarati Arya Association is substantial. It is intended that this receipt will be used to upgrade sports and play facilities in the area and has been included in the agreed 2001/2 Capital Programme.

"There are no resources available for the council to upgrade this site and to pay the running costs."

The GAA's offer includes the purchase of a 125-year lease for the building which would be used by its 500-strong membership as a sports and social club, and for weddings, Hindu festivals, social and cultural gatherings and youth and elderly persons' activities.

Public access to the facilities have been assured by the GAA, but protesters say the proposed 20 hours of community use of the changing facilities will be insufficient.