The local Labour Party has refused to back the regeneration of the Winstanley and York Road estates and is now actively trying to block plans for the first batch of 90 new social rent homes needed to get the project started.

It has become obvious that the general election candidate rushed into opposing the redevelopment of Battersea Sports Centre before realising its key role as a site for new social housing for Winstanley and York Road residents.

He also failed to notice that new alternative sports facilities are being opened up nearby, and that a much bigger and better sports centre will be built a short walk away.

Any reasonable person would agree that providing superior sports facilities and transforming two of the most deprived estates in the borough can only be a good thing for the area.

But incredibly the Labour council group’s deputy leader has proposed that the council’s planned £1.3m investment in a new 3G sports pitch at Falcon Park should be cancelled, and the regeneration plans to be delayed.

She has also described the regeneration scheme as an “expensive vanity project”, which is highly insulting to those residents who are looking forward to seeing their area transformed.

Fortunately the Conservative councillors voted against this nonsense and we will ensure this project is delivered and that the promises we made to rehouse local council tenants in the area are kept.

Labour and Will Martindale have made a huge mistake with their ill-thought out campaign.

It is now time for them to admit it.

PAUL ELLIS
Cabinet member for housing