A month after the Prime Minister Gordon Brown’s announcement of plans for a ‘Sports Revolution’ in England, Test Valley Tories are raising concerns about how this initiative will be funded.

Councillor Caroline Nokes, says: “Of course any proposals to encourage more children and over 60s to become more active are welcome, but the costs shouldn’t fall on local Council Taxpayers.  The scheme should be wholly funded by central government. It is regrettable that we are still waiting for the details to be released. As soon as we have confirmation that it will be fully funded, the Council will be taking it forward with enthusiasm.”

While I applaud Mrs Noakes concern not to spend TVBC money unecessarily her response seems more concerned with toe-ing party lines to not implement government policies than with seeking the best for local children.

It would help if she were tell us what the likely cost to us would be, after all the swimming pools are open and heated whether they are being used or not. It would also be appropriate if this sort of decision were discussed by the council as a whole before she issues a press release stating Test Valley councillors are concerned about the costs when she hasn’t actually consulted us.