Councillors will be urged to scrap a rise in fees at a Dundee community centre amid fears higher charges will price people out of participating in sports.
Lochee councillor Michael Marra has tabled a motion for today’s policy and resources committee meeting, calling to freeze the charges at their current price.
Mr Marra, who represents the Lochee ward, has also slammed council leader John Alexander, saying he has “refused to hear the concerns from local people”.
Some fees are set to more than double at a replacement centre, which opens today. The new prices will come into force in April.
Sports clubs who use Menzieshill Community Centre will have to pay £34 an hour, compared to the current fee of £13.50 to rent out a hall.
Fears were raised that disadvantaged children may quit sport in light of the new prices.
The new hub will replace the existing community centre and library.
Mr Marra said: “It’s an astonishing decision and a slap in the face for the volunteers who keep sports clubs running in Menzieshill.
“A sparkling new hall is of no use when you cannot afford to use it.
“To have spent many millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money to actually stop people participating in sport is so grossly incompetent it almost ranks as an achievement.
“The first thing clubs knew was when letters arrived telling people that their prices were going up.
“We need real consultation on what people can afford for the long term. That is the extent of my request to council. I think it is reasonable and responsible. To refuse to listen to these people at all is a gross insult.”
Mr Alexander has in turn accused Mr Marra of “eye watering hypocrisy”, saying the Labour councillor was present when the pricing structure was voted through unanimously earlier this year.
Mr Alexander said: “Everyone appreciates the increases in prices are far from ideal and we must also balance the fact that after huge investment in the £13 million new facility, they must balance income and costs.
“On balance, given that a transitional arrangement has already been made, all councillors have agreed a clear and unambiguous position.
“The centre opens today and with the huge investment delivered in providing these outstanding facilities, it is illogical to go back to the start of the conversation.”
Councillors will vote on Mr Marra’s motion tonight.
