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Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB) has confirmed it is looking to extend its mass vaccination centre at Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre beyond June.

In an email to Islywn’s Labour Senedd member, Rhianon Passmore, the health board said it “will require access to a suitable venue beyond June,” and that it was “in discussions” with Caerphilly County Borough Council for the use of the leisure centre moving forward.

Campaigners had previously ‘saved’ the leisure centre from closure in 2019. Over the past few weeks, campaigners resurrected the “Save our Leisure Centres” banner after talk it was under threat again.

Ms Passmore said she will be meeting with campaigners on Friday June 23 to discuss the future of the leisure centre.

In a show of support, she said: “I wish to reiterate that I am committed to ensure that the community of Pontllanfraith and surrounding areas continue to have every opportunity to access quality leisure provision.

“I have asked to be updated once any decisions are made.”

Labour councillor Shane Williams, who has been a campaigner since 2019, said: “There’s no end in sight. The council said it would reopen the centre in April – now here we are approaching July. There’s no need for it.

“It’s a senseless waste of resources and we’re demanding to know the number of people who use the centre and how much the health board has paid the council for the use of the building.”

Caerphilly Observer has submitted a Freedom of Information request (FOI) to ABUHB and asked for details surrounding the mass vaccination centre.

Cllr Williams continued: “These days everyone is surely getting their vaccinations at local clinics and doctor surgeries? I myself get them with my GP.

“I know they’re still administering the spring boosters but I’m not convinced this needs to be done at the leisure centre.

“We’re hoping when we meet with Rhianon tomorrow, she can provide some more details on the situation.”

The council has said it remains in talks with ABUHB over the use of the leisure centre.

Plans for a new centre for vulnerable learners to be built next to the leisure centre have been approved. The application states the new facilities are not a “replacement”, but rather “additional”.