LOCAL MP Colin Breed has reacted with dismay to news that a bid to gain National Lottery funding for a sports hall has been turned down – even though Cornwall is an official Sports Action Zone.

The Sport England Lottery Fund has decided not to grant funds for the hall which would have been used jointly by Torpoint School and the public.

Cornwall was launched by Sport England, as a Sport Action Zone at a meeting held at Cornwall county council headquarters last January. It is only one of l0 counties in the UK classed as such, because of an admitted need for sporting facilities. As a result it is to receive £7.5m per year for ten years to boost its sporting facilities.

Liberal Democrat Mr Breed said: "I am completely dismayed at this decision. I can hardly believe that the application has been rejected given the obvious need for such a facility in Torpoint.

Lottery

"I am particularly disappointed that one of the reasons given for the rejection was the need for more information. If they needed more information, why did they not make this clear during the long period of dialogue between the various interested parties before the application was made?

"The Lottery has also cited the need to prioritise as a reason for rejection but when Cornwall is a Sport Action Zone and the need for such a facility in Torpoint is so obvious, what higher priority can there be?

"I very much hope that the decision will be overturned. If it is not, then there will certainly be a need to ask some tricky questions of the Lottery authorities."

A Caradon Council spokesman said: "Concerns are being expressed throughout Torpoint and the surrounding area at the decision which will affect the sporting opportunities of those living in the area. All those interested in taking part in physical activity are affected, in particular young people from deprived backgrounds."

District councillor John Chadwick, from Torpoint, said: "The community has been hit very hard by this outcome."

He said the council would be working with local organisations and the community to get the decision overturned.