Walsall leisure centres under threat
19 Sep 09 00:33 Filed in: News
Walsall leisure centres under threat
The YamYam 19 Sep 09
In the latest round of increasingly desperate cost-cutting measures, cash-strapped Walsall Council are investigating the levels of funding required to operate leisure facilities in the borough.
The ruling Tory cabinet has instructed council officers to report on the viability of at least five Walsall sites. Council chiefs have admitted that millions of pounds are required to bring the facilities up to an adequate standard and have suggested that this money is simply not available due to an estimated £5.6 million overspend for this year alone.
The future of Bloxwich Leisure Centre, Darlaston Swimming Pool, Oak Park Leisure Centre, Walsall Gala Baths and Willenhall Leisure Centre is now under review as the Council struggle to balance the books. Further cut backs may be in the pipeline as Walsall faces a £13.4 million shortfall from its 2009/2010 budget and leisure provision seems destined to follow social care, education and council jobs in suffering a massive reduction in levels of service. Cabinet member for leisure and culture, Councillor Barry Sanders who represents Paddock ward said:
“We will be looking at all our leisure facilities, throughout the borough, to see what we have and what we need to be aiming for. We don`t want to be trying to compete with private facilities. The problem is that swimming pools and leisure centres cost huge amounts to run and do not generally make profit.”
The portfolio holder for leisure and culture went on to say: “If decisions need to be made, then we will make them.”
The news of the threat to the swimming pools came on the same day that the Council announced a U-turn on the closure of the municipal Grange Golf Course. New proposals include the introduction of a driving range, a cafe and a Scandinavian style log cabin to the site which is located on Broadway North in Paddock ward.
BrownhillsBob 19 Sep Comment: ...And so it begins
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Walsall Council Leisure centres