Pontllanfraith leisure centre’s uncertain future will be discussed by Caerphilly Council’s leadership in April, councillors have been told.
The facility is one of several sites that could close as part of plans to streamline sport and active recreation services to four leisure centres in the borough.
No decision has been taken yet to close any leisure centre, but Pontllanfraith’s future within the ten-year strategy will be considered by cabinet members in April.
Independent councillor Kevin Etheridge, a key figure behind campaigns to save Pontllanfraith and Cefn Fforest centres from potential closure, has urged people to mobilise to save a ‘vital’ asset.
The Blackwood councillor said the public had sent a clear message to the council by signing a petition and marching in protest alongside Islwyn MP Chris Evans and Lords Kinnock and Touhig.
“The public have spoken in their thousands with a march through Blackwood and lobbying from national politicians,” he said.
“Will the public’s voice count for nothing? I believe any decision to close these leisure centres will be a sad day for democracy our families and children.”
Cllr Etheridge’s cross-party motion asking for all 73 councillors to have a final say on the vote was rejected by cabinet members, who adopted the strategy in November.
The regeneration and environment scrutiny committee, which had backed the motion, agreed on Tuesday to discuss and make recommendations on the report before it goes to senior councillors.
Questions around the leisure centre has delayed plans to demolish the neighbouring Pontllanfraith Comprehensive School building, which closed in 2016.
Caerphilly Council has earmarked the 19-acre site for housing, with up to 165 homes planned, though the project remains at a standstill.
Contractors have agreed to hold off on their interest until the end of March.