Campaign launched to save Leeds Sailing and Activity Centre at Yeadon Tarn from Leeds Council cuts

Leeds Sailing and Activity Centre (LSAC) faces permanent closure under a cost saving proposal by Active Leeds, which is run by Leeds City Council.

The council faces a £119m budget shortfall for 2021/22, due partly to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on council services and revenue collection.

LSAC provides a large array of watersports and outdoor activities including canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and sailing, as well as archery, an orienteering course, off site climbing, an indoor caving experience, off road and mountain biking, and a park with classroom space.

It is an inclusive centre which caters to people with disabilities.

The centre, which has been closed since the first lockdown, is also a Royal Yachting Association training centre and offers qualifications awarded by British Canoeing and British Rowing.

A petition has been created to oppose the plans, which will shortly be going out to a six-week consultation process.

Bookings are still being taken for next year in anticipation of lockdown being lifted.

Jon Dakeyne, who created it, wrote: "We are asking for your support to challenge the closure of this professionally run first rate facility open to all which offers safe qualified outdoor activity instruction for a wide range of sports and experiences.

"It is a fully inclusive facility catering for all people and has appropriate adjusted equipment where possible so all can experience any activity."

People who have signed the petition have called on the council to think again.

Kate Littleton said: "Leeds needs this type of facility! It promotes outdoor exercise and gives people skills and experiences that they can’t easily get elsewhere without travelling some distance."

Steve Collett wrote: "Disabled people have very little opportunities to do things that able-bodied people do, and sailing is a wonderful opportunity to be able to do something out of the ordinary, on a level playing field with their able bodied friends.

"This decision must be reviewed."

While Kurt Mockridge said: "This is a tragedy and a loss to the local community and the wider community of Leeds and the catchment that this provider serves.

"The benefits of a service like this will only truly be appreciated when it is lost and potentially never replaced."

LSAC said that over the last five years, the centre’s use has been increasing, as has its income, but it currently runs with a subsidy from the council.

Since 2016 it has been used by more than 70 different schools and more than 50 youth organisations, charities and colleges.

There are 66 places per week for children in after school term time and weekend watersports clubs and more in the school holidays.

Ex-senior instructor Jackie Friend told the YEP the campaign would particularly like to hear from individuals and families who have used the centre over the years.

Leeds City Council leader Judith Blake has been appealing for more support to be made available by the government to meet the large costs associated with coronavirus.

Local government, which relies heavily on central government for its financing, has faced deep and consistent cuts to funding under Conservative and Liberal Democrat administrations since 2010.

Speaking last month, Leeds Northwest MP Alex Sobel called on the Government to provide more funding to local authorities to plug financial gaps created by Covid restrictions.

He said: “Our council is at breaking point, now having to make harsh decisions on what services will be cut due to a deficit of £120m from central government.

"Within my own constituency of Leeds North West, it would appear that they may include Yeadon Sailing Centre and the household recycling centre in Otley.

“It is imperative that the Government step up to the mark and provide the necessary restrictions based on the science to protect lives, along with a fully supportive financial recovery package that saves businesses, jobs and our councils from having to cut or close vital services within the community.

"The impact of getting this wrong will be astronomical to our city."

The three local Liberal Democrat councillors are also opposing the closure.

Email [email protected] for more information about the campaign.

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