LIB DEM TUFFREY TAKES ON LIVINGSTONE OVER STREATHAM ICE RINK

4.11.46pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 9th Jul 2004

Liberal Democrat London Assembly member Mike Tuffrey will challenge Mayor Ken Livingstone on his obstruction to a large renovation plan project for Streatham's Ice Rink and community facilities at Mayor's Question Time next week.

Mr Tuffrey will next Thursday (15th July) voice concerns that the delays the Mayor is imposing could risk permanent closure of the ice rink as well as depriving south Londoners of the benefits of an improved leisure complex.

Mike Tuffrey said:-

"Ken Livingstone's refusal to allow this project to proceed could result in the permanent closure of the ice rink and prevent a new and vastly improved leisure complex from being built. Depriving residents of such an important local facelift could have dire implications for the community and local economy, which is in desperate need of regeneration.

"Lambeth Borough Council has worked co-operatively with the applicant to secure a plan which will completely overhaul Streatham providing not only a new ice rink and swimming pool, but also housing, a sports hall, fitness centre, supermarket and new bus facilities.

"However the Mayor seems to be refusing to work constructively on this issue. It is time he realised that he should be looking for reasons to approve the project and seeking ways to secure the extra funding required, rather than refusing the scheme outright. His obstruction is placing the future of the much-loved Streatham Ice Rink in jeopardy."

Ends

Notes to editor

Mr Tuffrey will quiz Mayor Livingstone on the Streatham Ice Rink on Thursday 15th July. Mayor's Question Time starts at 10.00hrs