Barbican objectors slammed

The Liberal Democrat claimed: "Some of the comments and tactics of objectors have involved the use of some of the worst examples of disinformation and misrepresentation ever seen in the city."

He argued that the scheme would produce the "first genuine 21st century sports facility in the city", while reducing council taxpayers' subsidy to the Barbican.

He claimed that calls for a public inquiry were "highly irresponsible" and, if successful, could result in the centre being closed for months and possibly longer, and also jeopardise the future of other York leisure facilities.

Coun Galloway insisted that the Barbican pool would close at the beginning of June, saying: "It is not practical to retain use of the existing pool while building work is in progress. The council needs to receive the sale price for the hotel and flats site before it can let a contract for the new Kent Street leisure centre facility."

His comments came in the wake of the planning committee's decision on Thursday to approve the proposals by Barbican Venture to revamp the auditorium, move sports facilities to sites elsewhere, and build 240 apartments, a 135-bedroom hotel and a new community swimming pool.

Ernie Dickinson, a leader of the Save Our Barbican campaign, said the organisation's calls for a public inquiry, far from irresponsible, were its duty, considering the way the council had conducted matters.

"We completely deny being responsible for disinformation. Any disinformation has been from the council's spinning of the truth.

"For example, it has stated on a number of occasions that a casino at the Barbican would need planning permission. It emerged at the planning meeting that this is not the case. If that isn't misinformation, what is?"

Meanwhile, the council has released artists' impressions of what the interior of the proposed new community swimming pool might look like, and one is reproduced here.

Updated: 09:39 Saturday, April 24, 2004