Getting away with it

The worst kept secret in North Wales was revealed today. Denbighshire county council have hung the three leisure centres in Rhyl and Prestatyn out to dry. Although it is a somewhat crude analogy, it is said that a dog licks it's own bottom because it can. By a similar logic, our local council can pretty well do as it pleases. But think twice if you're considering protesting because a recent change to the law means that they also have the power to curb even a peaceful protest. Democracy?

In short, they have withdrawn funding to the not for profit company charged with running the three sites. They cite mismanagement and refer to the poor state of repair of the facilities. They decline to do anything about it themselves (there used to be a word to describe that sort of decision). Conveniently for the council, specific details of these alleged shortcomings are as yet thin on the ground but the residual £200,000 will be used to promote leisure, tourism and events for the coast. How does that sound to you? I'll be honest. Pending a statement from Clwyd Leisure (the not for profit organisation) on Wednesday, it seems like they've been sold down the river.

That same council has also announced the closure of the primary school in Llanbedr. Despite a previous call to the local community to express their reservations ahead of the forthcoming consultation process (foregone conclusion), they have announced the school will close at the end of August. This decision is odd because the same council has just granted planning permission for 70 new houses in the village. I would have thought the need for a primary school would be greater but perhaps I'm missing something.

The decision to cut Clwyd Leisure loose has been made just days after the council announced their plans for a new £10 million aquatic centre a stone's throw away from the existing sun centre. I wish I had a business which could afford to make decisions like that. I also wish I had a business which could afford to spend money like that with no accountability to anyone.

I know it's a long shot but I hope the Rhyl residents can find a way to come together to save the facility which has served them and countless thousands of holiday makers so well for so long. What galls me the most is the obvious waste of tax payer's money here. At a time when so many are whingeing about cuts, our local council seems happy to spend money like water. It just doesn't make sense and I find it morally wrong. Granted, the council will do as they please regardless of objections but that doesn't make it right. The most troubling aspect is the total lack of accountability. That is the country we now live in and the growth of this and other councils in recent times has created an out of control Frankenstein. A very sad day indeed.