Aquajets to hold public meeting over eviction

Aquajets Swim Club is holding a public meeting at the Masterton Bridge Club headquarters in Villa street this evening at which their eviction from the Genesis Recreation Centre pool for coaching lessons will be discussed.
It came in a communication from Community Leisure Management (CLM) which informed the club they would not be renewing their bookings for the year from the end of term one.
Instead as part of the management contract, CLM had "negotiated exclusivity pertaining to the to the teachings of 'Learn to Swim' through our resident swim school."
Not surprisingly, the decision shocked Aquajets coach Jill McLean who uses the centre to coach some 150 children and the club's acting chairman Mark Harris is hopeful tonight's meeting will be productive in finding a solution to the current situation which will suit all parties.
"For us it's all about the protecting the interests of the many young people who are enthusiastic about swimming, and of the clubs who are keen to help them build and retain that enthusiasm," Harris said. "Nobody should be disadvantaged, that's the key point for us."
An independent chairman in Peter McNeur will chair tonight's meeting at which representatives from the local swimming fraternity, the Masterton District Council and CLM are expected to speak. Start time is 7pm.