SAVE LADYWELL ARENA PUBLIC MEETING MARCH 2ND

[keeplewishamontrack]

Ladywell Arena running track and gym was opened in 1936 was restored with Sports Lottery money in 1997 and has recently been refurbished. It provides a first class athletics track, football pitch and gym as is at present open to sports clubs and individuals. It is currently run as one of the Council's leisure centres by Parkwood Leisure but the Council have asked sports and other groups to bis to take over the tender on a 10 year lease. Existing sports clubs are protected users but there is currently no commitment to protect the rights of Lewisham residents to use this lovely facility in the middle of an attractive park. There has been no consultation with regular individual users.

At present pensioners can use the gym and track free of charge and people on limited incomes pay reduced fees under the Lewisham Passport scheme. There is good opening hours and individuals and groups share the facilities.

We invite you to attend our public meeting at St Mary's Church, Crypt Room, Lewisham High Street (close to Lewisham hospital) at 7.30 pm on March 2nd , come and sign our petition, contact your local Councillor and make your views known on this forum and in the press.

The lead Councillor for the decision on the Arena's future is a Sydenham Councillor Chris Best who can be contacted on 020 8659 6445 or e mail:cllr_chris.best@lewisham.gov.uk.

We believe the final decision will be taken by the Council on April 20th.