Islwyn MP Chris Evans has spoken in Parliament about the proposed leisure centre closures in his constituency.
The Labour MP has been the subject of a letter written to him by Caerphilly County Borough Council leader David Poole, which was also signed by his cabinet.
Speaking in a debate in Westminster Hall yesterday about local sporting heroes, he expressed the importance of leisure centres in his community.
He said: “All sporting heroes, wherever they come from and whoever they are, have to start somewhere. They need facilities and coaches and, more importantly, they need inspirational people.”
On November 3, Mr Evans led a march through Blackwood to protest against the closures of leisure centres in Pontllanfraith and Cefn Fforest. He was joined by former Islwyn MPs Neil Kinnock and Don Touhig.
“The leisure centres are well-used community facilities and resources, and 5,500 people have signed a petition to save them. I have been honoured to support the community in their campaign and they can rest assured that they have my wholehearted and continued support against the closures.”
A report is set to go before Caerphilly County Borough Council’s cabinet today (November 14) regarding the future of the leisure centres.
He continued: “I hope that when the council makes its decision it will bear in mind the voices of the people and keep the leisure centres open.”
“We have seen in the past that once such community facilities are gone, they are gone forever.”