Hope remains that Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre earmarked for closure could remain open.
Angry protesters gathered outside Caerphilly County Borough Council’s offices on January 18 to voice their concerns over plans to the centre.
Following the council’s decision to close the centre, Blackwood councillor Kevin Etheridge put forward a successful motion to “call-in” the decision for the council’s Regeneration Scrutiny Committee to review.
The committee met on January 18 and agreed that further consultation should take place and that the council’s cabinet have another look.
There was anger that none of the campaigners were allowed to speak at the meeting.
Plaid Cymru Blackwood town councillor Zoe Hammond, who lives in Pontllanfraith, said: “Many people made a special effort to travel to the council offices and were denied the opportunity to speak.
“We were informed on Wednesday we were not allowed to speak at the committee meeting, then they changed their minds a few hours before the meeting saying we would be allowed to speak. However, when we turned up at the meeting we were denied the chance to speak.”
A spokesman for Caerphilly County Borough Council said: “Following the motion agreed, further targeted consultation will take place with key stakeholders about the future of Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre.
“Upon completion of these additional consultations a further report will be presented to cabinet for their consideration.”
Pontllanfraith’s three Caerphilly County Borough councillors Mike Adams, Colin Gordon and Gez Kirby, all Labour, have said they are convinced the centre can still be saved.
Cllr Mike Adams said: “We welcome the launch of a popular local campaign to protect our local leisure centre.
“We’re not convinced that all our centre’s current amenities can be transferred to other local facilities, and we’re concerned that service users who rely on public transport won’t be able to get to alternative venues.”