Date: Mon, 21 Nov 2005 16:32:30 -0000 Thread-Topic: CMS 24993 - Lambs Squash Club From: "POWELL THOMAS" Dear Mr Pottinger, Thank you for your email to Richard Caborn of 6 October about the potential redevelopment of Lambs Squash Club in Islington. I have been asked to reply. It is always disappointing when any sports facility is threatened with closure, particularly those which have played a central role in national and international sport, like Lambs Squash Club. I understand from discussions with Sport England that they have been fully engaged with Lambs Action Team’s battle to save the club, and have worked with the team to submit objections to the planning applications on the grounds of detrimental impact to sport. Sport England maintains its objection to the proposed development. However, this Department is unable to intervene in local decision making processes, and it would be inappropriate for Ministers to become involved with the passage of planning applications through the system. I am pleased that Lambs Action Team is continuing to work with Sport England in impressing the need for sports provision upon Islington Borough Council. I hope that the issue is resolved in the near future. For future reference, here are the contact details of your regional office: Sport England London 3rd Floor Victoria House Bloomsbury Square London WC1B 4SE Telephone: 08458 508508 Kind Regards, Tom Powell Tom Powell Central Information and Briefing Unit Sports Desk Policy Officer Department for Culture, Media and Sport Telephone: 020 7211 6167 Website: www.culture.gov.uk DCMS aims to improve the quality of life for all through cultural and sporting activities, to support the pursuit of excellence and to champion the tourism, creative and leisure industries.