Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre could close its doors by the end of June, prompting fears that its closure would “kill the community”.
Caerphilly County Borough Council say the facility is too expensive to run amid plans to overhaul sports and recreation services in the borough.
Keeping the leisure centre and its 3G pitch could also affect the sale of the wider site – which includes the former Pontllanfraith Comprehensive – for housing.
If approved by senior councillors the centre would close by June 30, with existing block bookings transferred to Blackwood Comprehensive School and Islwyn High School.
Councillor Nigel George, cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said the plan to get ‘more people, more active, more often’ was set against a backdrop of financial pressures.
“We recognise that Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre is valued by some sections of the community, but there are alternative facilities available to meet the needs of existing users,” he added.
Closing the site would save the council £119,740 a year, while writing off outstanding repairs worth at least £150,000.
It would also increase the amount of money the authority stands to gain from selling the 19-acre site, which has been earmarked for up to 165 homes.
The council expects to receive up to £2.9 million – but the valuation could drop to between £1.8 million and £2.3 million if the leisure centre is retained.
But the revived proposals have provoked further concern amongst those who have campaigned to save Pontllanfraith and Cefn Fforest leisure centres from closure.
Islwyn’s Labour MP Chris Evans said: “It really is a devastating blow for the community and incredibly short-sighted by a council that will increasingly have to find money for mental health and obesity – both of which are helped by exercise.
“What message does this send to our young? And what about the old that can’t get to next nearest leisure centre? Removing these well-used resources will kill our communities.”
Blackwood Independent councillor Kevin Etheridge added: “It’s death by a thousand cuts. The community will suffer dramatically if that leisure centre closes.”
The council’s regeneration and environment scrutiny committee will discuss the report on March 26, before making recommendations for cabinet to consider on March 27