GOVERNMENT minister Richard Caborn visited York to view the city's newest first-rate sports facilities.

Minister for Sport Richard Caborn came to York yesterday to meet local Labour councillors and visit the recently revamped Oaklands Community Sports Centre.

Mr Caborn said he was "very impressed" with the facilities.

York Labour leader Dave Merrett gave Mr Caborn a tour of the centre within the specialist sports college, showing him the new gym, climbing wall, fitness suite, dance studio, and changing rooms.

Mr Caborn said: "It was a Labour initiative to set up specialist schools like this, as well as to promote the extended schools concept which seeks to open up school facilities for the wider community.

"This will enhance the opportunities for local residents to participate in sports and other leisure activities, such as dance and working out. This is helping to improve health and the general fitness of local families, and will contribute to the fight against obesity and diabetes.

"Local Labour should be proud of the Oaklands scheme, which Labour councillors had the foresight to agree in April 2002, in their last but one year of office. York Labour made an excellent decision to progress this scheme."

Coun Merrett said: "Local Labour are immensely proud of Oaklands, and want to work to encourage other such initiatives in York through lottery and other funding.

"Many residents have commented to me how they like using the facilities, especially the gym and fitness classes which offers great value for money compared to the more commercial gyms. I know my daughter, who I'm here frequently with, certainly does.

"More importantly, Oaklands offers a sense of community, giving local residents and school children the opportunity to use the same excellent facilities."

City of York Council's Liberal Democrat leader Steve Galloway called the visit "election gimmickry".

He said: "The Oaklands sports centre expansion was agreed after Labour's overall control of the council in 2000.

"It came about following discussions between Lib Dem ward councillors and school governors.

"Labour's attempt to selectively rewrite history does them little credit."

He said the Oaklands project was a good example of how to improve access to sports facilities, and said Mr Caborn should have talked to a cross-party group of representatives.