Councillor Ruth Polling, Islington Council's Executive Member for Leisure, keeps her cool during a skating lesson at Sobell Leisure Centre - as the deadline for the consultation on its future approaches. <br><br>Until 30 June, Islington Council is asking the public how they think Islington's largest centre should be improved, with the help of a brochure and a series of exhibitions. <br><br>The council has already committed over £12m to the project. <br><br>Ruth said: "We're a listening council and we want to know how people think the Sobell should be developed. That's why we are consulting residents so early into the project to ensure that their views can really shape the new centre. <br><br>"We have a fantastic opportunity to build a new facility for the whole community but we will only get this right if the community let us know their views - whether they currently use the centre or not. <br><br>"This is only the first stage of consultation, and there will be plenty more as the project develops, but it is really important that we hear your views now as the results of this consultation will affect the whole development. Please let us know what you think."<br><br>The local community and centre users are being consulted on which facilities they would like to see in the new centre and on a range of options around how the overall site, including neighbouring Kinloch Park, could look.<br><br>Options include building a swimming pool with spectator seating and an upgraded ice rink, sports hall, and new community facilities such as youth facilities, healthcare facilities and a café. <br><br>All the options include new housing, to help fund the project and tackle the current shortage of affordable properties in Islington and all options increase in the quantity and quality of greenspace on the site.<br><br>The deadline for the consultation is 30 June. <br><br>ENDS <br><br>For more information please call Chris Weeks on 020 7527 3032 or 07825 098804 <br><br>PICTURE CAPTION: Cllr Ruth Polling with ice skating coaches Alexis Weller and Pamela Kelly. <br>
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009