Claims that more than £16million has been invested in leisure provision have been criticised by Lichfield councillors.
Figures released in Lichfield District Council’s annual report suggest the money has been invested in a new cinema, new leisure provision and the construction of a new leisure centre at Stychbrook Park.
But while the move on those projects has been approved, the money has not yet been spent.
Cllr Paul Ray, Liberal Democrat representative for Chadsmead ward, said the council needed to correct the claims, particularly given they are also included in a leaflet being spent to local households.
“This is totally wrong and misleading from the Conservatives.
“The public deserve better and will see straight through it – they can see for themselves that there is no leisure centre, no redevelopment of Friarsgate and no new cinema.
“It is just desperate behaviour by the Conservatives as they lead up to the 4th May local elections.
“They are running scared.”
Cllr Paul Ray, Lichfield District Council
The leaflet going out to households says “building work has already started” on the new cinema in the former Debenhams store, while also suggested that £1.5million has been “invested” in new leisure activities such as a climbing wall and 4G sports pitch.
Cllr Alastair Little, independent member for Hammerwich and Wall who had previously been a Conservative councillor, said the move was a “new low” by the Tories in Lichfield and Burntwood.
“I find it laughable that I receive a tax bill with an election leaflet.
“Lichfield District Council have done well seven weeks before an election to ‘keep tax low’ and is something I applaud, but some let themselves down having ‘different priorities’ at county – accountability is May.
“However, gerrymandering the messages via our bills is new low.
“Cllr Doug Pullen must know the difference between investment and budgeting for the future. Our post is unfortunately full of political lies which he has led to the post box.
“The leisure centre does not even have planning approved, the cinema is an empty shop, Birmingham Road site is still is on his shoulder and Burntwood is being stripped to the bone.
“I can only apologies for standing as a Conservative at the last election and not honouring a single pledge.”
Cllr Alastair Little, Lichfield District Council
“Remedial action is required”
Cllr Joanne Grange, independent member for Chadsmead, said answers were needed from the Conservatives on the use of language in their report and leaflet.
“It’s a long time since I’ve studied English in any great detail, but I do remember from my time as school that the past tense is used when an action is completed – if the council has indeed ‘invested’ £16.5 million, where’s the leisure centre and what’s the cinema screening tonight?
“The use of the past tense ‘invested’ rather than the future tense ‘will invest’ is at best poor use of English and at worst a deliberate attempt to mislead.
“The current state of play is that there isn’t even planning permission in place for the cinema or the leisure centre so implying that the investment has happened is just wrong. At such an early stage in the process, it is probably more accurate to say the council is planning to invest at some point in the future, but has a long way to go to deliver these projects.
“It is unfortunate that the incorrect information has been sent out with every council tax bill, and I look forward to hearing what actions will be taken to correct this position.
“After all, with elections looming in less than eight weeks, having incorrect information being delivered to every council taxpayer can’t be allowed to stand so some sort of remedial action is required.”
Cllr Joanne Grange, Lichfield District Council
