Sunday
14
December
Swimming pool closure raises concerns
13/12/2022 @ 09:33
Fears are growing over the future of Llanidloes Leisure Centre following news its swimming pool could close until April to make energy savings.
Plaid Cymru member Cllr Gary Mitchell has questioned the plans.
He asked: "Cllr Selby the news published today referencing the possible closures of some leisure services across the authority area is alarming to me, to the staff of my local leisure centre and to many of the constituents that have already contacted me in just a matter of hours after the press release.
"We all understand there are significant pressures on the Councils budget but looking to cut fundamental services is a short term gain, and one I would argue will lead to much longer lasting issues than the short term savings made."
He added: Llanidloes swimming pool supports somewhere in the region of 300 young learner swimmers through its swimming lesson program – a vital life skill for all, and if Rhayader & Builth were also to close that’s is hundreds of children not learning to swim in a very concentrated area.
"I am told the staff at the local leisure centres new nothing about the proposal coming before cabinet and they fear they will loose their jobs if such a decision is made.
"Even if a closure is temporary will they be able to re-recruit staff I wonder given the difficulties in staff recruitment."
Powys County Council has said it wants to close the swimming pools at Llanidloes, Rhayader and Builth Wells from 23 December to 31 March. Llanfair Caereinion Leisure Centre will close until April.
Cllr David Selby, a Newtown county councillor and cabinet member of the council said: “The current energy crisis is having a devastating impact on our leisure services at a time when many are struggling to recover from the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.
“The Council is working closely with Freedom Leisure to implement temporary measures to reduce the deficit and investigating options for long-term provision."
The centres are operated by Freedom Leisure on behalf of the council.Plaid Cymru member Cllr Gary Mitchell has questioned the plans.
He asked: "Cllr Selby the news published today referencing the possible closures of some leisure services across the authority area is alarming to me, to the staff of my local leisure centre and to many of the constituents that have already contacted me in just a matter of hours after the press release.
"We all understand there are significant pressures on the Councils budget but looking to cut fundamental services is a short term gain, and one I would argue will lead to much longer lasting issues than the short term savings made."
He added: Llanidloes swimming pool supports somewhere in the region of 300 young learner swimmers through its swimming lesson program – a vital life skill for all, and if Rhayader & Builth were also to close that’s is hundreds of children not learning to swim in a very concentrated area.
"I am told the staff at the local leisure centres new nothing about the proposal coming before cabinet and they fear they will loose their jobs if such a decision is made.
"Even if a closure is temporary will they be able to re-recruit staff I wonder given the difficulties in staff recruitment."
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