Labour is reckless with your money!

9.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 20th Oct 2009

Cllr Bob Sullivan speaking to Vince Cable

Labour councillors have forced through a proposal to build a swimming pool and leisure centre on the Walthamstow Arcade site by borrowing £35 million and selling off the Pool and Track site in Walthamstow. Labour councillors ignored the recommendation from the all party Scrutiny committee which said that, before any decisions were made, the Council should obtain a financial appraisal to see if the proposal was affordable and a study as to whether the High Street was the right place for a swimming pool. Lib Dem Cllr Bob Sullivan, who was at the meeting as the chair of the Scrutiny committee, was amazed that anyone could make a decision costing residents millions without any financial appraisal. He said that anyone doing this was "Damn reckless" with ratepayers' money.

Leyton and Wanstead Liberal democrats say:

· Why does Labour refuse to allow a proper financial check of the plans to borrow £35 million to fund the proposal?

· Why haven't local people been asked whether they want a pool on the Arcade site?

· What does this plan mean for the future of our competition pool and the Borough's only athletic track in the run-up to the Olympics?

· Why are millions again being spent in Walthamstow while Leyton is ignored?

We need answers now!