General English Level 4 Version 2.1 © 2004 acl Pty Ltd GELEV4 Unit 01 Topic 05.doc UNIT 01 The Media TOPIC 05 This is what they said BEFORE YOU READ Discussion Answer these questions in groups: • What can you do at a recreational centre? • Do you have a recreational centre near your home? • If yes, how often do you go there? • If no, would you like to have one near you? READING 01 This is what they said Read what different people think about a new recreational centre. Good news for local residents The New Town Council are planning to build a new recreational centre on South Street by the river. The new centre will include an outdoor swimming pool, a gym and basketball and tennis courts. There will also be a community centre and child-minding facilities. The Mayor of New Town, Mr Barry Baskett, said he thought the new centre would be of great benefit to the community and he was sure that all residents were going to make full use of the facilities. However, not all residents are happy about the centre. Mrs Norma Baker, Mayor Barry Baskett president of the New Town Residents' Committee, said that they were holding a meeting the following week because many people were unhappy about the location of the new centre. She said, "We feel that the building will spoil the view of the surrounding parkland. We believe they should build the centre on King Street”. The Mayor said that he understood the residents' concerns but that King Street was quite impossible as there was no space available. He said that he would be very happy to attend the meeting the following week and talk to residents. The community meeting to discuss the location of the new community centre will be held at New Town Hall next Wednesday at 7.30 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend. 36