Residents upset at the prospect of losing their leisure centre are set to take their displeasure to the council.
Protesters against the planned closure of Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre will make their voice heard outside Caerphilly County Borough Council’s offices in Tredomen ahead of a meeting that could yet save the building from the axe.
Following the council’s cabinet decision to close the centre last month, Blackwood councillor Kevin Etheridge put forward a successful motion to “call-in” the decision for the council’s the Regeneration Scrutiny Committee to review.
Campaigners will attend the special meeting today on Thursday, January 18. They will also hold a protest at the council offices at 4.30pm. They had intended to hand over a 1,300-name petition against the closure, but have been told the committee cannot receive it.
Loretta Newman-Ford who is one of the organisers of the protest and a long-term user of the centre, wrote to the chair of the committee along with several officers in Caerphilly Council requesting permission to hand in a petition and speak at the meeting about residents concerns.
She said: “I cannot believe the council think it’s acceptable to gag residents when they are simply wishing to convey their views about its extremely poor consultation process for the closure of Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre. The email where I explained some of the points we wished to make were focused on the consultation and, yet they have taken an autonomous decision to stop me from speaking and handing in the petition.”
Those opposed to the closure feel the public consultation was not properly undertaken with inadequate risk assessments, no consultation with the Children’s Commissioner and many football clubs and classes not asked for their input.
They will ask councillors on the Regeneration Scrutiny Committee to refer the matter to full council for a proper debate to save the centre from closure. If closed, the land is set to be sold for housing.
The Islwyn Youth League is an association that provides football for over 100 children at the venue every Sunday morning and they are furious at the decision.
Dean Jones, is one of the local coaches.
He said: “We never received an invitation to discuss the closure with the council. If we had, we’d have told them that even with a new 3G pitch in Blackwood (see below), the closure of Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre will end some of the clubs in our Association. These clubs are essential to encourage our local children to participate in sport and develop healthy lifestyle skills,
As part of the closure plans, the council has agreed to develop a new 3G pitch at Blackwood Comprehensive School, while the 3G pitch at Pontllanfraith will remain in use until the end of March next year.
Cllr Nigel George, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, has previously said the decision was not taken lightly and that the council was faced with “significant financial pressures”.
He said: “We have looked at alternative facilities nearby, including those available at Islwyn High School and other local facilities. It’s important to emphasise that the services provided won’t be lost, but will be delivered differently, and we are confident that these facilities can meet the needs of the community in the future.”
New pitch for Blackwood
Funding of £810,000 to build a new 3G sports pitch has been granted to Caerphilly County Borough Council.
The money will be given by the Welsh Government as part of its 21st Century Schools programme.
The new pitch will be built within the grounds of Blackwood Comprehensive School.
Cllr Nigel George, Caerphilly’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services, said: “News of this exciting new facility will be widely welcomed and the pitch will provide top quality sports provision for the whole community to enjoy.
“Importantly, it will also provide an alternative facility and additional capacity following the proposed closure of the nearby Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre.”
Council leader Cllr Dave Poole added: “This is a fantastic announcement and demonstrates that we are delivering on our commitment to provide improved local facilities which will benefit the health and well-being of the community.
“We now look forward to the scheme commencing on site as soon as possible.”