Labour councillors have forced through a proposal to build a swimming pool and leisure centre on the Walthamstow Arcade site by borrowing £35 million and selling off the Pool 
and Track site in Walthamstow.
Labour councillors ignored the recommendation from the all party Scrutiny committee which said that, before any decisions were made, the Council should obtain a financial appraisal to see if the proposal was affordable and a study as to whether the High Street was the right place for a swimming pool.
Lib Dem Cllr James O’Rourke, who sits on the Scrutiny committee, said:
“I’m amazed that anyone could make a decision costing residents millions without any financial appraisal. I agree totally with my Lib dem colleague and chair of the scrutiny commitee, Cllr Bob Sullivan, when he says that anyone doing this is “Damn reckless” with ratepayers’ money.”
High Street Focus Team says:
· Why does Labour refuse to allow a proper financial check of the plans to borrow £35 million to fund the proposal?
· Why haven’t local people been asked whether they want a swimming pool on the Arcade site?
· What does this plan mean for the future of our competition pool and the Borough’s only athletic track in the run-up to the Olympics?
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