Controversial plans that could see all but four leisure centres across Caerphilly County Borough close have been approved by Caerphilly County Borough Council.
The council’s Labour-led cabinet met today, Wednesday November 14, and approved its new leisure and sports strategy despite widespread opposition against it.
Under the plan, Caerphilly County Borough Council would maintain four “strategic” leisure centres in Caerphilly town, Risca, Newbridge and in Aberbargoed or Bargoed to service the entire borough.
It is anticipated that the remaining six sites – Bedwas, Cefn Fforest, New Tredegar, Pontllanfraith, St. Cenydd and Sue Noake – would transfer to school management or close completely.
Officers say no decisions have yet been made to close individual facilities but the potential loss of facilities in Blackwood has stoked fierce opposition from residents and politicians.
A petition against Pontllanfraith and Cefn Fforest leisure centres closing was signed by more than 5,000 people, while hundreds of people marched in protest on November 3.
Leader of council, Cllr Dave Poole said: “This strategy is about our ten-year vision for sport and active recreation and we want to ensure we can deliver positive outcomes against a backdrop of very difficult financial pressures.
“It is bitterly disappointing that some people have used the strategy for mischief-making about specific leisure centre closures rather than recognising its true value for our whole county borough and its future generations.”
Cllr Gez Kirby, who represents Pontllanfraith, tweeted his dismay at the outcome.
Very disappointing that @CaerphillyCBC ‘s cabinet failed to heed the calls of a 5,000 signature petition, an all-party motion, and the recommendation of the regeneration scrutiny committee, to put this decision to full council. What’s the point of scrutiny if cabinet ignores it? https://t.co/Ld9OAwOweN
— Gez Kirby (@gezkirby) November 14, 2018
Dean Jones, who organised the protest march in Blackwood, is also disappointed with the decision.
He said: “They’ve not listened to our arguments, they only see pound signs. This will have a devastating impact, which will be particularly felt in the school holidays.”
He continued: “They don’t understand the impact this will have.”
James Alderson was also on the march on November 3 and is concerned the potential closures would mean more travel and expense for leisure centre users.
he said:”My ten-year-old daughter relies on the leisure centre. We can’t let her catch the bus to Newbridge on her own – and a family ticket costs £12.50.”
He added: “Hopefully we will plan more marches, but first we need to reassess everything.”
Councillor Kevin Etheridge asked the authority’s leadership to refer the strategy to a full council meeting to allow all councillors to have a vote – but the motion was dismissed.
The motion, which had received cross-party support and the backing of the regeneration and environment scrutiny committee, was described as a “people’s motion” by Cllr Etheridge.
Speaking after the meeting he said: “I worry now about the scrutiny function within the council and the effect elected members outside the cabinet can influence decisions.
“This is a major step backwards and I’m disappointed for the residents that the matter is not referred to the 73 elected members at full council.”
Councillor Nigel George told the meeting that each decision made within the lifetime of the “holistic” strategy would be “carefully considered” before being approved.
One such project could be the redevelopment of Caerphilly leisure centre, with the council weighing up whether to spend up to £9 million refurbishing the building or spending around £15 million on a new-build facility.
Robert Hartshorn, head of policy and public protection, said investing in fewer leisure centres made more financial sense, claiming costs to repair the council’s ageing facilities were estimated at around £3 million in 2012.
Additional reporting by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.