The people of Ryedale could soon get a new leisure centre - but only if they shout loud enough to demand one.

External experts called in by Ryedale District Council are urging them to consider building a new centre and to ask people exactly what it is they want.

Coun Chris Parkin (Con, Helmsley) chairs the leisure and marketing committee, which commissioned the £10,000 study.

He said: "I would very much like to see this report move forward now. Let's get the momentum going and get something done."

Publication of the report follows months of controversy over whether a new "wet and dry" centre should be provided in Malton.

Some people supported proposals to build a centre in the grounds of Malton School and closing Derwent Pool in Norton.

Others wanted to ensure Derwent Pool remained open and was kept up to modern standards. Many also wanted a new sports hall in a more central location.

The new strategy looks at the whole of Ryedale, outlining what exists already, how the district could develop what it already has and how it could create more leisure space in the future.

Attracting funding for future developments will depend upon Ryedale having a proper idea of how sports and recreation fit into the community.

Suggestions in the report by consultants Knight, Kavanagh and Page include:

l Better support for voluntary sports and recreation

l Improved access to existing and new community sports and recreation facilities

l Encouraging parishes to work together to develop facilities and funding

l A dual use or community sports hall in the Malton/Norton catchment area, and

l A review of swimming provision.

This evening, the district council's leisure and marketing committee will debate the strategy's findings. Any recommendation will then go forward to the district council's full meeting in May.

Coun Parkin said: ""I place recreation on as high a plane as sporting activities. Ryedale is unique because five minutes from each town square there are paths and walkways to the countryside. I would like to see those used."

He added: "I want to ask people everywhere to read the document and come back with comments."

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