It's time the town was first (From Warrington Guardian)

It's time the town was first

COUNCILLORS and shopkeepers are throwing their weight behind plans for a £26million centre of sporting excellence in Middlewich.

They are drumming up support for the centre, which will be built on Midpoint 18 Business Park, Pochin Way, if planning permission is given.

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 councillor Jean Eaton said: "Everybody is absolutely over the moon.

"There is a real positive feeling about this from all the councillors.

"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.

"But this sports complex will offer so much more. 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."

Middlewich councillor Dorothy Basford said: "The plans are overwhelming.

"Everybody I have spoken to has been amazed.

"It will boost the economy and profile of the town. It would also be nice to think that the bypass could be finished and that there will be a pelican crossing on Holmes Chapel Road.

"We have been assured that the sports complex would be open to everyone, not just elitists and professionals."

Some traders in the town are also backing the proposal.

Aiden Devaney, who owns Devaney's Butchers Shop on Wheelock Street, said: "I live and work in Middlewich.

"I have two young boys, aged seven and five and a baby daughter.

"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'.

He added: "A facility like this will help us to nurture sports stars of the future.

"Sporting-wise we get left behind by other countries but now we can change this."

Michael Davey and Marjory Issatt, of Mid Point Sports Limited, submitted plans for the sports complex last month and are now eagerly waiting for a decision.

jdriscoll@guardiangrp.co.uk