Leisure centres could close for three months
The Liberal Democrat-led council is considering some bizarre measures today when the cabinet meets to save cash amidst the cost of living crisis, with all leisure centres to close for a fortnight over Christmas, and three to remain closed until March 31.
It has been met by a huge backlash from the communities with Llanfair Caereinion councillor, Gareth Jones, saying it will be “devastating news for our town and will have a huge impact on many groups not just sport”.
David Cribb from the town’s walking football team branded it “appalling news” and added: “Winter is the most important time for people to get together and enjoy a social interaction.”
Only two weeks ago, the council was forced to u-turn on the unpopular suggestion to save cash in schools by reducing the working week to four days.
Proposals in detail
· Christmas closure of all leisure centres December 23 – January 3, 2023
· Temporary closure of Llanfair Caereinion, Llanfyllin and Presteigne (to the public): December 23 – March 31, 2023 (swimming pools closed to public and schools)
· Temporary closure of swimming pools at Llanidloes, Rhayader and Builth (to the public and schools) December 23 – March 31, 2023
· All Saunas to close
· Leisure Centre fees & charges to increase for some activities from January 1, 2023
· The proposals will be considered by a meeting of Powys County Council’s Cabinet on Tuesday December 13 at 10am.
What the council is saying
Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, Cllr David Selby
“The current energy crisis is having a devastating impact on our leisure services at a time when many are struggling to recover from the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.
“While some activities have good participation and are growing, others including membership and fitness remain considerably below budget. The loss of income is being compounded by inflation with increased cost of supplies, services and wages.
“But the greatest impact is escalating energy costs. It is an industry-wide challenge that shines a light on swimming pools and their energy demands and something that is being experienced by all providers – both public and private.
“Freedom Leisure have already implemented a wide range of operational and energy efficiency measures to significantly reduce consumption, however, the additional costs for providing a leisure service in Powys is going to be more than £1m going forward.
“These eye watering levels of increased costs without additional targeted local or central government support are unsustainable.
“The Council is working closely with Freedom Leisure to implement temporary measures to reduce the deficit and investigating options for long-term provision.
“We know the options we are proposing will be disappointing but to take no action would risk the future of all leisure provision and put an unacceptable burden on the Council’s overall budget. Leisure provision will still be available in many other locations throughout the county.
“The temporary closures, both leisure centres and swimming pools, are based on those centres with the lowest public use, the highest costs and the greatest level of public subsidy. We are also taking into consideration the availability and distance to alternative centres.
“The action will buy us time, but we will have to carry out a thorough review of all leisure service provision in the county. The current model is unsustainable, and we must work with the people of Powys to create a structure that we can afford.”
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