Stockport council is selling the freehold of Stockport Sports Village to Stockport County Education Pathway Limited (SCEP), a company linked to the local football club. The decision, made earlier this year, means the Life Leisure gym on the site will close in December 2026. Some residents fear the move will 'destroy' their community.
Residents speak out
James May, 89, who has eyesight difficulties and relies on the gym to stay active, said: 'For me, it's a death sentence, but what am I going to do?' He started going to the gym after his wife died and fears his health will decline without it. 'I think it will just help with my decline,' he added.
Wendy Bishop, who used the gym to recover from a stroke, said: 'In my opinion they are destroying our community. I can't think of a better adjective. They are destroying it and we are paying them to do it.' She worries that Romley's facilities cannot cope and Marple's new £20m hub is not finished.
Football club's response
Ken Knott, chairman of Stockport County Football Club, said the club will maintain all grassroots bookings for a minimum 25-year period and plans to build a new indoor dome and double classroom capacity. Free community programmes include walking football for over-50s and youth engagement.
Stockport council was approached for comment.
