The headteacher of a school at the centre of a row over the future of Lichfield’s leisure centre has claimed “misinformation” is being put out – and insisted he is “not the bad guy”.
The future of Friary Grange Leisure Centre has been thrown into doubt after Lichfield District Council announced plans to shut the centre in April 2020.
The proposals came as The Friary School seeks to take facilities such as the sports hall and all-weather sports pitch to support a move towards academy status.
But after being contacted by residents and parents, Mr Allman said in an email response to one of them that he believed the facilities would be run better by the school – and criticised other parties putting out “misinformation” online.
“For me the sports hall, dance studio and astro will only be run better by the school and will have full community access,” he said in an email. “There would be no change in provision except for the better.
“The swimming pool, gym and squash courts, which have already realistically shut, can be run by Lichfield District Council as they are now.
“This is entirely their decision and there is sadly a lot of misinformation being put about.
“I am not one for shouting from the press and would rather deal with things face-to-face rather than balling [sic] on social media.
“I have no council seat to defend, no personal motive, and can promise you I am not the bad guy here.”
Talks have restarted between the school, the district council and Staffordshire County Council.
Mr Allman said he hoped the meeting would be fruitful.
“Hopefully a resolution will be found that keeps the facility open in a sustainable way for the short and long term soon,” he said.
“Please judge me personally on my record with you rather than on local rumour and innuendo.”
