Closure of leisure site put on hold
CAMPAIGNERS have said they are encouraged after plans to close a South Wales leisure centre were put on hold by the council in an “unexpected” move.
The announcement to defer the plans for Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre was made by interim council leader, Barbara Jones, on Tuesday – the day before scrutiny councillors were due to consider a fresh attempt to close the facility.
It follows a sustained campaign of opposition to closure by centre users, and a ruling in May by a High Court judge which forced the council to halt its closure plan, on the grounds that it had failed in its equality duty when making the decision.
Shane Williams, who took the case to the High Court, welcomed the “unexpected” news, but said campaigners want to see a “complete stop” to plans to close the leisure centre. “We are encouraged by the statement from the interim leader, which seems to suggest they are going to change approach, but still a bit concerned given the use of the word ‘deferred,’” Shane said.
Colin Mann, leader of the Plaid Cymru group on Caerphilly council, also welcomed the decision.
“It is pleasing that the cabinet has finally seen the light and is listening to the community but it needs to go further and confirm the centre will remain open permanently,” he said.
Kevin Etheridge, leader of the council’s Independent group, said he was “pleased that common sense has prevailed.”
And Rhianon Passmore, AM for Islwyn, said she was glad the council had listened to “the clear message from the public.”
Chris Evans, MP for Islwyn, wrote on Twitter that the announcement was “good news.”
Announcing the decision to defer plans on behalf of the council’s cabinet, Cllr Jones said the authority will “consider new options for the future of the site as part of the council’s broader transformation plans.”