FUNDING for a new all-weather sports pitch in Selby has been granted to the town’s Abbey Leisure Centre.

At the first meeting of Selby District Council’s executive since last month’s elections, the council discussed whether £250,000 of public money should be invested in an new all-weather facility at the leisure centre or towards a new pitch at Selby College.

Labour leader Steve Shaw-Wright said he had mixed feelings about the decision to use the money at the leisure centre.

He said: “The council reckons they will make £40,000 to £50,000 per year from the new pitch, but I think that’s way too high. They would have to make about £200 a day through the year.

“It’s still good for the town, but the problem with it being at the leisure centre is increased charges and it won’t be really available for the community. Also, if the pitch had gone to the college, access would be a lot easier.”

Earlier this week, The Press reported that if the council invested in the college, the current leisure centre pitch may have to close, as it was in a deteriorating state and needed to be comprehensively refurbished.

A report carried out for the council estimated the closure of the pitch would remove income of about £17,000 per year, but would also save the council money as they would not be responsible for repair and maintenance.

During the meeting, the council was also shown to be in a relatively good financially position at the start of the new executive.

During the past year, the council’s borrowing limits have been increased, but the higher threshold has not yet been needed.

Nicola Chick, the council’s financial and administration manager wrote the report, which said: “The turmoil within the financial markets and the forecasts for the economy are having a major impact on the council’s investment returns.

“However, prudent financial management has helped to mitigate this impact by ensuring appropriate cash flows.”