IT IS difficult to know whether to laugh or cry over the latest issue concerning the proposed sports and leisure centre at Bar End.

Proposals for the £38 million centre on playing fields at Bar End have been proceeding relatively smoothly before Winchester Action on Climate Change voiced objections, provoking a strong response from Lisa Griffiths, portfolio holder for health and well being. 

READ: Campaigners and civic chiefs clash of leisure centre's green credentials >>>

The Liberal Democrats have joined in the criticism of aspects of the project.

Schemes such as the sport and leisure centre, Station Approach and the Central Winchester Regeneration, also known as Silver Hill 2, have had far more public consultation than projects 20 years ago.

There are grounds for criticising the sports centre plans. It does appear a missed opportunity to only have an eight-court sports hall instead of one with 12 which would cater for the growth of the local population.

But we appear to be getting to a stage where there is a danger that nothing will ever get done.

People who are consulted are being consulted, asked their views, to inform the decision-making process, not given the right to try to put the kibosh on proposals because they do not match exactly what they want.

The saying ‘the best is the enemy of the good’ is apt. No one will ever get exactly what they wish for.