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Bedwas could soon lose both its leisure centre and neighbouring library as part of council cost-cutting measures.

Bedwas Leisure Centre is one of three sites in the borough facing the axe, while the village library is one of ten which could make way as the council looks to plug a £45million budget gap.

Liz Aldworth, Labour councillor for Bedwas and Trethomas, said how “tremendously sad” the prospect of losing both services would be.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer she said: “We didn’t come into politics to cut core facilities. These are much-loved and well-used venues, but it just shows how tough times are at the minute.

“I learnt to swim in Bedwas Leisure Centre myself a long time ago. I worry about the costs which will be inflicted on residents and schools who will have to pay more to travel.”

Maintenance work at the leisure centre, which was built in 1974, over the the next five years is projected to cost £334,453 according to council figures.

Cllr Aldworth added: “It’s a tremendously sad situation we find ourselves in, but I’d encourage residents and schools to have their say during the consultation period.”

Leisure centres in Cefn Fforest and New Tredegar are also under threat. The council argues it has the most leisure centres of any Welsh local authority, with a budget of £4.2 million – but is facing “significant financial challenges”.

Shane Williams, Labour councillor for the Cefn Fforest and Pengam ward, described the council’s plans to close services as “absurd”, arguing that there’s “no strategy to decision making”.

He continued: “What’s the motivation? We know for a fact other leisure centres won’t be able to handle the extra capacity.

“As a principal town, Blackwood should not be losing two leisure centres. I’ve spoken to local schools and they say they won’t be able to ferry pupils elsewhere.”

Cefn Fforest residents made their feelings known at a recent meeting in the leisure centre, according to Cllr Williams – who hopes the council “finally takes notice”.

Cllr Williams went on to suggest that if Bedwas Leisure Centre were to close, the money saved could be used to fund Cefn Fforest, which he claims has more users.

Closing these three leisure centre could save the local authority £1.1million over the next few years.

It’s understood the 3G pitch at Bedwas High School would stay open and be managed by Caerphilly Leisure Centre.

Caerphilly Council did not respond when asked what this would mean for schools who might require coaches to take pupils to a swimming pool further away.

A seven-week consultation period on the future of libraires opens on Wednesday January 22, with a host of drop-in sessions announced:

• Machen Library, Tuesday February 18, 4.30pm to 6.30pm;
• Online, Wednesday February 19, 2pm to 4pm;
• Nelson Library, Wednesday February 19, 4.30pm to 6.30pm;
• Aberbargoed Library, Thursday February 20, 10.30am to 12.30pm;
• Llanbradach Library, Friday February 21, 10am to midday;
• Deri Library, Monday March 3, 4.30pm to 6.30pm;
• Fleur de Lys Community Centre (for Pengam Library), Tuesday March 4, 2pm to 4pm;
• Bedwas Library, Tuesday March 4, 4.30pm to 6.30pm;
• Abercarn Library, Wednesday March 5, 4.30pm to 6.30pm;
• Abertridwr Library, Thursday March 6, 4.30pm to 6.30pm;
• Oakdale Library, Tuesday March 11, 4.30pm to 6.30pm;
• Online, Tuesday March 11, 11am to 1pm.

A seven-week consultation period on the future of leisure centres has also been announced and is due to open on Wednesday January 22:

• Online, Tuesday February 18, 11am to 1pm;
• New Tredegar Leisure Centre, Wednesday February 19, 6pm to 8pm;
• Bedwas Leisure Centre, Thursday February 20, 6pm to 8pm;
• Cefn Fforest Leisure Centre, Friday February 21, 12pm to 2pm;
• New Tredegar Leisure Centre, Tuesday March 4, 12pm to 2pm;
• Cefn Fforest, Wednesday March 5, 6pm to 8pm;
• Bedwas Leisure Centre, Friday March 7, 12pm to 2pm;
• Online, Monday March 10, 5.30pm to 7.30pm.