Leisure centre could close for good without “significant investment”

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Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre has been closed without a guarantee it will reopen, after the council announced it needs “significant investment”.

Having been used as a Covid-19 vaccination centre for the past two years, the council’s agreement with the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) has now come to an end.

The leisure centre and outdoor 3G pitch will now be shut during August so that the former comprehensive school next door can be demolished to make space for a new ‘vulnerable learners centre‘, as well as a sports hall and an indoor pitch.

Earlier this year, the council announced the vulnerable learners centre was to be “additional” and not a replacement for the existing leisure centre.

This has been thrown into jeopardy now however, after the latest Caerphilly County Borough Council statement said that without a “significant amount of work and investment” the site will remain closed.

Cllr Chris Morgan, cabinet member for leisure said: “The 3G pitch will reopen in September, but now that the health board have concluded their vaccination programme at the leisure centre, the future of the facility can be formally considered over the coming months as part of a mid-way review of our ten-year Sport and Active Recreation Strategy.

“This review will include all our facilities across the county borough to ensure we are providing modern, fit-for-purpose provision which meets the evolving needs of our communities, whilst remaining sustainable financially.

“The decision making process will include wide-ranging public consultation and engagement before any decision is made.”

Reacting to to the news, Labour councillor and long-time campaigner Shane Williams said: “It’s obviously extremely disappointing. They assured us that the centre next door would not affect the leisure centre remaining open.

“What our campaign has shown is that over 5,000 in the local area want this leisure centre to return to offering sports facilities that many clubs are in desperate need of. We implore the council to open it.”

Cllr Williams, who represents the Cefn Fforest and Pengam ward, went on to say that as a “last resort”, he has told the council to consider a community asset transfer, which would see the leisure centre run by volunteers.

He explained: “We think it should be explored if the council are determined not to open it. We know that this leisure centre is one of the cheapest and most used so it’s worth considering.”

The council has since insisted no decision has yet been made and the review will take place this autumn.