News
Signs of the times in Willenhall
Walsall Council has put up new signs directing the people of Willenhall to the Leisure Centre it intends to close. Campaigners fear that attempts to find a solution to the cash crisis facing Walsall have now descended into farce.
Gleaming new “fingerpost” style signs have appeared in Pinson Road, Rose Hill, John Street and Market Place, all pointing to the doomed Leisure Centre. But would-be swimmers, keep-fit fanatics and ballroom dancers may only have until March to enjoy the facilities. Cabinet member for Regeneration, Councillor Adrian Andrew said: “The future of Willenhall Leisure Centre is still under review and will be open until at least the end of March.
“If we had removed any reference to the centre, no doubt many campaigners would have seen this move as a done deal.”
The closure of the swimming pool, fitness centre and ballroom comes as part of the council’s draft budget aimed at making service cuts of £11.2million and at the same time increasing council tax by 4.26%. Campaigners suspicions of a “done deal” seemed to be confirmed when scrutiny panels were not allowed to question the closure and the axing of the centre remains firmly on the council agenda.
More than 3,500 people have signed a petition to save the baths and almost 1,500 have joined an on-line Facebook campaign. Supporter Elaine Ward of Alton Avenue, Ashmore Lake, said: “I think it is absolutely stupid and if they are thinking about closing the place down why are they putting up signs to advertise it? This is an utter waste of taxpayers’ money. Last year we had the situation where hundreds of thousands of pounds was spent on new heating and electrical wiring at the leisure centre, now this. It is very silly.”
Just before Christmas, Council leader Mike Bird said: “We have some very difficult decisions to make as a council. Our funding is being cut as an authority as we face up to the recession. We are no different to any local authority in the country. Or business for that matter. We are all feeling the pinch.
“Over the next four years we have to make efficiencies of more than £40m as our income falls.”
The announcement to close the centre is likely to take place later this month.