In “Downhill battle to save our slope” (Young Times, May 3) Hero Melia outlined some protests being made by young people trying to save the Plas y Brenin ski slope. Since publication further information has been provided to Young Times and we are happy to clarify the position.
The cost of a new ski slope for Plas y Brenin is estimated at £750 000. Sport England, who owns Plas y Brenin are implementing a 40% funding cut; they did not spend £10,000 on cream cushions for the outdoor centre but Sport England did refurbish the outdoor centre.
Local MP Guto Bebb has met with Sport England in an effort to find ways to retain the ski slope. With both Sports England and Sport Wales not prioritising skiing as a sport of mass participation, the task of saving the ski slope is very difficult.
The article suggested that Hero had written a letter to Mr Bebb which he had not answered. In fact, Hero, with others, drafted an unaddressed lobbying letter advising people about the concerns held over the slope and that unsigned letter, together with other materials was delivered to Mr Bebb in a meeting with the chair of Hero’s ski club on March 23 2012.
Mr. Bebb outlined the action that he intended to take to the Chair of the Ski Club and promised to report back to the Chair. Subsequent to his further meeting with MTT (Plas y Brennin) Mr Bebb then had discussions with the head of Sport England. After that had been done, he wrote to the Chairman of the Ski Club with a full response on May 25 2012 ( some three weeks after Young Times raised the issue) and apologising for the delay in providing that response.
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Young Times is happy to clarify the position.