FROM THE EDITOR: World-class sites that can’t make ends meet don’t add up

Sheffielders have long memories and the sheer amount of correspondence I am receiving about the future of Ponds Forge shows that much of this city is afraid we are witnessing history repeat itself. Certainly, most don't believe that the earliest possible reopening date of April is good enough or that the timing at the start of the financial year signals anything other than a chance to get rid.

Don Valley Stadium wasn’t used enough to make it viable, was the story we were told. No matter what you think of what is on that site now, shouldn’t the fourth biggest city in the country have been able to do that while also maintaining a stadium? It isn’t like it hadn’t produced its fair share of Olympians and – this is what always leaves me baffled – it isn’t like neighbouring cities don’t manage to not only protect what they have but also create new attractions.

It would cost as much to open Ponds Forge as it does all other SIV venues combined. At least, that is the message we hear. Fine, no problem, I understand that but – here we go again – what are we doing so woefully wrong that we can’t afford that when other northern cities can? Our readers tell me we must have the business model completely wrong. I can’t disagree. I don’t remember a huge push to ensure Don Valley was used to maximum capacity before the decision was taken to close it. I can almost hear the announcement in April that Ponds Forge no longer has a future because the demand isn’t there. It can’t be can it? This is a self-fulfilling prophecy where the groups that used it will either have folded or gone elsewhere by then. That is an indisputable fact and, yes, they also produced their fair share of Olympians – not to mention civic pride, fitness and joy.

"We've always valued our part in supporting Sheffield to strive to meet its ambition” and “our open to all philosophy ensures that our activities and facilities provide for everyone in our communities across the city”. So says the Sheffield City Trust website but perhaps it needs updating?

The Star won’t be keeping quiet on this one and, if you care at all about this city, keep up the pressure, passion and campaign. April will be too late.