Leisure centre closures ‘would have devastating impact’

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Caerphilly residents will soon have their say on council proposals to shut down three leisure centres.

The plan is to reduce the number of leisure centres to “four strategic, quality” sites, said Cllr Chris Morgan, the cabinet member for leisure.

Bedwas, Cefn Fforest and New Tredegar leisure centres could all close in the summer if the plans go ahead.

However, opposition councillors have claimed the council’s plans contradict Welsh Government ambitions for a healthier population.

At a meeting on Thursday January 16, Caerphilly County Borough Council cabinet members heard the proposals form part of the ongoing sports and active recreation strategy for “more active, more often” residents.

Cllr Sean Morgan, the council leader, said “we respect the gravity of the situation, and the need to ensure we get the views of residents”.

Sport and leisure facilities manager Jeff Reynolds told cabinet members the sports strategy had delivered millions of pounds of investment via all-weather pitches, parks, and tennis courts.

“It’s not just about leisure centres,” the council leader added.

According to a council report, around 17 full-time equivalent staff are employed at the three sites, which in total received more than 200,000 visitors in 2023/24.

Shutting the leisure centres could save the council £1.1 million over the next few years, it estimates.

Cabinet members agreed to open a seven-week consultation on January 22, giving residents a chance to respond to the proposals.

Speaking after the cabinet meeting, Labour councillor Shane Williams, who represents the Cefn Fforest and Pengam ward, branded the council’s plans “short-sighted and backwards”.

“With over 97,000 users of Cefn Fforest Leisure Centre last year, to close it down would have a devastating impact,” he said. “If the pool were to close, it would rip the heart out of the local community.”

Cllr Williams added: “I would urge anyone interested in the future of the swimming baths and leisure centre to respond to the consultation.”

Members of the council’s Plaid Cymru group asked how the proposed closures would align with the promotion of healthier lifestyles.

Cllr Greg Ead claimed the move “directly contradicts the Welsh Government’s ambition of a healthier Wales” and dismissed the alternative of relying on parks.

Cllr Lindsay Whittle, who leads the Plaid group, accused the council of “eroding local government by stealth”.

“It has taken decades to build these facilities in our communities,” he added. “We promote healthy lifestyles and the effect it has on the struggling NHS. Yet again we are closing the very facilities that will make us healthy. This will encourage young people to stay in their homes and create larger problems for future generations – poor, unhealthy bodies and minds.”

Meanwhile, independent councillor Kevin Etheridge is planning to table a motion to the council, calling for it to “fund any improvements necessary” to Cefn Fforest Leisure Centre, which he said “contributes to the wellbeing of the population within the respect wards of Argoed, Cefn Forest, Pengam, Blackwood, Pontllanfraith and beyond”.

The council will host a series of public drop-in sessions on its proposals during the consultation period:

• 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, midday to 2pm;
• New Tredegar Leisure Centre, Tuesday March 4, midday to 2pm;
• Cefn Fforest Leisure Centre, Wednesday March 5, 6pm to 8pm;
• Bedwas Leisure Centre, Friday March 7, midday to 2pm;
• Online, Monday March 10, 5.30pm to 7.30pm.