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As libraries and leisure centres across Caerphilly County Borough face potential closure, residents in Bedwas, Trethomas, and Machen are fearful of the impact it will have on their community.

Bedwas Leisure Centre is one of three across Caerphilly County Borough which could shut as part of cost-cutting measures, while ten libraries, including those in Bedwas and Machen, are also at risk of closing.

The council is currently seeking residents’ views on the plans, with a public consultation running until March 12.

Machen resident Jess Probert, a mum of two children aged seven and nine, said people are “livid” at the prospect of the leisure centre closing, and said she feels her community is being “eroded”.

She explained: “A lot of parents are livid at the prospect of taking swimming lessons away from our children with no plan B for where else they might be able to learn this vital, life-saving skill.”

The nearest leisure centre with a swimming pool would be Caerphilly Leisure Centre, but Ms Probert expressed concern over waiting lists there.

“Some of my friends have been told that there are 15 or more children already on the waiting list for lessons at Caerphilly leisure centre as it is,” she said.

“As a rural area, in the 12 years we have lived here, all of the pubs in the village have closed. Now it feels like our community is being eroded further with the possible loss of our libraries and our local swimming pools too.”

As well as the public consultation on Bedwas leisure centre, there was also a petition created by a Bedwas resident which has gained more than 1,000 signatures – expressing the strength of feeling in the area.

There has been similar resistance around proposals to close Cefn Fforest and New Tredegar leisure centres, as the council aims to concentrate on “four strategic, quality sites”.

‘A decision so detrimental’

In the backdrop of these planned cuts, the council is facing a budget gap of around £45m it needs to plug.

However, Plaid Cymru councillor Linsday Whittle, who lead’s the council’s opposition group, has called for a “rethink” over the planned leisure centre cuts.

Cllr Whittle said: “We have a situation where 500 yards in one direction from the pool is Bedwas Junior School and 500 yards in the other direction is the Tyn y Wern Primary School.

“In addition, the pool lies behind Bedwas Comprehensive. You are probably talking about 1,400 pupils who need to learn to swim. It is part of the Senedd’s initiative to improve health and fitness and save children’s lives. My own daughter learnt to swim at this pool as a child.

“I appreciate the council has difficult financial decisions to make but they should not make a decision so detrimental to young people and the community in general.”

Libraries also at risk

Next door to Bedwas leisure centre is Bedwas library, which too faces a potential closure.

Cllr Liz Aldworth, a Labour councillor for Bedwas and Trethomas ward, previously told Caerphilly Observer how “tremendously sad” it would be for Bedwas to lose both its leisure centre and library.

Meanwhile, nearby Machen could also lose its library.

Sue Thornton, a retiree who lives in Machen, is opposed to the potential cuts. She said: “Local libraries have never been more important than now. We have a generation of children that spend hours on screens.

“If families and children can access a local library it opens up an opportunity to enjoy and gain a love of books. The knowledge is then endless.

“It is also a place that children and the elderly can meet friends, recommend books and get information on activities in their local area. To lose this important service would be devastating for the community.”

Were these two libraries to close, the nearest library would be in Caerphilly.

At a recent consultation event on the future of the library, Ms Probert said access to Caerphilly Library was an issue, and said how valuable a good relationship between your local librarian can be.

Emily Thornton, a mum-of-two from Machen, added: “Local libraries provide a lifeline for learning, digital access, and community support, particularly for those who cannot easily travel to town.

“Bedwas Pool is equally essential, offering a space for children during the holidays, retirees throughout the day, and vital swimming lessons. Shutting these services down doesn’t remove barriers, it creates them – isolating the very people who rely on them the most.”

Liberal Democrat councillor Steve Aicheler, who serves on Bedwas, Trethomas, and Machen Community Council, has suggested if the library is to close, the council should consider turning Machen Village Hall into a community hub where library services can run out of.

‘New vision’

Council leader Sean Morgan has previously said the plan for leisure centres involves focusing on “four strategic sites”. These are Risca, Heolddu, Caerphilly, and Newbridge. 

On the council’s plan to “transform” library services, Cllr Morgan said: “The focus of the new vision is the creation of improved central library ‘hubs’ in our town centres that will be a front door to council services.

“This could see other smaller community library sites repurposed as community assets, delivering what the communities want. Unfortunately, this could mean that some sites may close if alternative arrangements cannot be agreed.”

Consultation dates

The seven-week consultation period, which ends on Wednesday March 12, can be accessed online, with more information available at drop-in sessions.

• 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.

Drop-in sessions for the three leisure centres have also been running, with future dates also planned.

• 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.