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# MP says “flaws” in application saw Lichfield miss out on leisure centre funding
- URL: https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/mp-says-flaws-in-application-saw-lichfield-miss-out-on-leisure-centre-funding/
- Published: 2023-01-19T09:29:08.000Z
- Updated: 2023-01-19T11:11:41.000Z
- Author: Lichfield Live
- Tags: Politics, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-07-22 19:07, News

Lichfield’s MP says he is “very disappointed” the city [was rejected in a bid](https://lichfieldlive.co.uk/lichfield-misses-out-on-funding-for-new-leisure-centre/) for Levelling Up money to pay for a new leisure centre.

It is the second time a bid by Lichfield District Council has failed to be accepted by the Government funding scheme.

The local authority had hoped to secure the money to build a long term replacement for Friary Grange Leisure Centre at Stychbrook Park.

Conservative MP Michael Fabricant said “flaws” in the bid meant it had been ruled out early in the process.

> “I am very disappointed that Lichfield was unsuccessful in obtaining levelling up funding for the replacement leisure centre and swimming pool.   
>  
> “I am told that flaws in the application meant it did not even reach the minister’s desk for consideration – it was ruled out as not meeting the required criteria by the civil service. Consequently, ministers did not even get to consider the bid.   
>  
> “As with the levelling up first round, ministers have offered to provide face to face training to council officers in how to make a successful bid and I hope this will be taken up this time.   
>  
> “Meanwhile, I understand the council are now considering other forms of funding.”  
>  
> Michael Fabricant

Other locations around the country were successful in obtaining funding for leisure centres.

Mr Fabricant said:

> “In making comparisons with other areas who succeeded in their bids, often they have only one council leisure centre while Lichfield covers a relatively small population and already has a leisure centre in Burntwood.   
>  
> “That is not to say we do not need to replace the Friary, but a more convincing argument needed to be given in the bid.  
>  
> “A third levelling up round will soon be announced and I hope, if Lichfield acquires the expertise, it will be third time lucky for this or another project.”  
>  
> Michael Fabricant