The Alliance Party of Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland's cross-community party

 David Ford

Shocking losses in Belfast leisure centres underline cost of segregation

10.49.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 24th Apr 2008

Portrait-yellow: HENDRON Maire (photography: Allan Leonard)

Belfast Alliance Councillor Maíre Hendron

Belfast Alliance Councillor Maíre Hendron has stated that the massive financial losses in Belfast leisure centres highlights the devastating cost of segregation. It was revealed by the Nolan Show that the city council's leisure centres last year lost £8.8 million, and these losses are increasing rapidly.

Pottinger Councillor Maíre Hendron said: "These losses are frighteningly high. They perfectly illustrate the devastating cost of segregation in Belfast City Council.

"The Council needs to start providing more shared leisure facilities instead of taking a divided community approach. Belfast has more leisure centres than it needs because some centres are basically provided as a segregated service.

"People will profit from shared services because efficiencies can be made, yet the standard of service will be maintained. The cash saved by stopping duplication can be ploughed into improving vital services for local people.

"Segregation is the biggest waste of money in our society and it simply must be stopped."

ENDS

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Previous news story: Grammar schools' test move is 'regrettable' - Lunn (Thu 24th Apr 2008).
Next news story: Neeson fears electricity price hikes will push families to crisis point (Thu 24th Apr 2008).

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