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Atheist in protest over 'Christian-run' leisure
AN Over Wyre atheist is mounting a one-man protest against the handover of leisure facilities in Wyre to the YMCA.
Ian Abbott from Knott End is angry about swimming pools in Garstang and Fleetwood being handed over to what he sees as an overtly Christian organisation.
Mr Abbott, 55, of Hackensall Road, who is chairman of the Lancashire Secular Humanists, has made an official complaint to Wyre Council about the handover, saying he does not want to play a part in funding religious organisations, but is given no choice.
He said: "I am a 55-year-old man who would benefit greatly from visiting a gym and swimming pool more regularly.
"Some years ago I was a member of the Wyre-run centre in Fleetwood and recently considered the possibility of re-joining and resuming some gentle regular exercise.
"But now it is the YMCA.
"I want someone to tell me how a secular local authority can justify supporting an overtly religious organisation."
Mr Abbott was told by Wyre Council it shared similar values with the YMCA.
A letter from the authority to Mr Abbott said: "The council and the YMCA hold similar values in terms of recognising the potential for sport and leisure to improve communities.
"It was felt a collaborative working arrangement between the two organisations would assist the council in providing benefits for the community.
"The YMCA is a well-established organisation on the Fylde coast with an excellent reputation for managing leisure facilities. We are not aware of any religious pressures being imposed on our customers.
"The YMCA and Wyre Council welcome people of all faiths, or none."
Nobody from Wyre Council was available to comment on Mr Abbott's complaint.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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