Lib Dems calls on Council to secure the future of "Swallows" Gymnastics Club

12.00.00am GMT Fri 28th Mar 2008

Hillingdon Council's huge rent and rates demand could close the Hillingdon School of Gymnastics

Following the news that Swallows Gymnastics Club in Ruislip is under threat of closure, Cllr Mike Cox and Ealing-Hillingdon GLA candidate, Nigel Bakhai, have given their support to the proprietors, Mike and Tania Swallow, and are calling on Hillingdon Borough Council to honour previous agreement and withdraw outrageous demands for back rent and rates which is could bring an end to 30 years of Gymnastics excellence in Hillingdon.

Prospective Lib Dem MP, Cllr Mike Cox commented:

"Mike and Tania Swallow have provided over three decades of service to the local community. For all that to come to an end now would be a tragedy and will leave Ruislip and Hillingdon the poorer for it. The Council have refused to meet with the club to resolve the problems with the lease. The Council appear to be holding the club to ransom in order to get their hands on prime development land which once belonged to Queensmead School. I want an unequivocal statement from this administration that they will work with the Hillingdon School of Gymnastics to secure the future of this Club at this site."

Nigel Bakhai added:

"The Swallows is a recognised centre of sporting excellence not just in West London but also in the country. With the Olympics coming to London , and at a time when there is real concern about child obesity, it would be absurd for the Council to force the closure of such a well-established club like Swallows. If the Council continues to act in this unreasonable and provocative way then they will be doing irreparable damage to Gymnastics in Hillingdon and West London as well as damaging the country's prospects for 2012."

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