Decision on the future of leisure centre is delayed
PLANS to close Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre have been put on hold – just before Caerphilly council was due to consider a fresh attempt to shut it down.
Campaigners have fought against the closure of the leisure centre in Blackwood with hundreds marching in the streets and more than 5,000 signing a petition against the move.
Caerphilly council initially agreed to close the centre earlier this year but the decision was quashed by the High Court in June.
The council’s special environment and sustainability committee was due to discuss renewed plans to close the centre at a special meeting today.
But interim leader of Caerphilly council Barbara Jones has announced the decision will be deferred yet again to consider options for the future of the site, which had been earmarked for a new housing development.
Cllr Jones said: “We are listening and responding to our community and the cabinet wants to reflect on key issues going forward such as the future of Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre.
“We are aware of the strength of feeling in the community and we want to respond positively to these concerns, therefore we are recommending that the closure plans are put on hold while we consider how the facility fits within our wider ‘place shaping’ agenda for the county borough.
“We have an ambitious transformation agenda ahead of us and we need to consider the opportunities arising from factors such as the educational improvement programme, our wider economic plans, our ambitious housing and sustainability agenda and our 10 year sport and active recreation strategy.”
A report issued ahead of today’s meeting argued the closure of the centre could result in saving of £120,000 a year and would be mitigated by nearby leisure centres which could potentially receive more funding.
Cllr Jones added: “We recognise that budgets are shrinking and that the council needs to transform the way it delivers services, but we are here to serve the community first and we must not lose sight of this fact. We now need time to reflect and consider a new way forward and we would like to give an assurance to the community that we will do this with you.
“We will launch our exciting and ambitious transformation plans under the heading of Team Caerphilly in the new year.”