It was a pleasure to see party politics pushed aside when councillors debated the future of Peers Sports Centre at the city council meeting.

Arguments were presented by the ward councillors on behalf of residents in Littlemore and Rose Hill who had vigorously campaigned for the retention of the centre.

We are all aware that the city council's leisure and cultural services had to find savings if they were to be within their budget for 2007-8 and prepare for 2008-9.

But to many residents in the area, the proposed closure of the centre in January, 2008, appeared to be an easy option, especially as Peers School was moving towards becoming an academy.

Undoubtedly, massive savings could be made, but the effect on the community it serves had not been fully realised or appreciated.

Attendance figures, maintenance costs and comparisons with other city centres were bandied about before the vote was finally taken.

The council overwhelmingly supported that further consideration be given and other measures be sought in the interests of keeping the centre open.

I am pleased to see that the future of Peers Sports Centre was not turned into a party issue and was judged on its merits and social importance to the community.

Let's hope that the executive board will now 'take the plunge', honour the decision taken by full council and retain the centre till August 2008 - or preferably till the new academy has facilities to cater for all sports and leisure activities.

VIM RODRIGO Rivermead Road Rose Hill Oxford