Council cuts may shut leisure centre to public

A council is proposing to stop funding a leisure centre, which could see it close to the public.

At a meeting on 4 December, Shropshire Council's cabinet is recommended to authorise a consultation on the future of Much Wenlock Leisure Centre.

The facility is owned by the William Brookes Academy Trust and used by the school, but has been operated and managed by the council since 2010.

The council's subsidy, which amounts to £280,040 in the current financial year, enables it to be used by the public outside of school hours and on weekends.

According to meeting documents, removal of council services would not automatically mean the community could no longer use the facility.

The cabinet will consider serving notice on 3-18 Education Trust, which William Brookes School joined in 2021, and withdrawing its subsidy "subject to options to be explored".

"William Brookes School/Academy Trust is keen to explore continuing to provide community use of the leisure centre should Shropshire Council cease operating at the end of a 12-month notice period," the report stated.

"It is critical that Shropshire Council secures its future financial sustainability and therefore difficult proposals to generate savings through withdrawing from service provision such as this must be considered," it added.

The council's leader has previously described its precarious financial situation as "unbelievably close" to bankruptcy, with £62.5m of savings needed this financial year.

The leisure facility has a 25m swimming pool with sports hall, gym and fitness suite.

There are also non-floodlit artificial and grass pitches and a 200m athletics track.

Almost 73,000 visits were made to the centre last year, despite the pool being closed for three months, and 300 children attended for swimming lessons.

The report described council-run leisure provision as "discretionary" and added the centre needed further investment "to improve its market appeal and support greater public use".

According to the report, lockers, floors and electrical sockets are all damaged, with extensive upgrades needed to fitness equipment and outdoor surfaces.

Costs for repairs, maintenance and utility supply are currently split between the council and school.

Informal discussions had been held with potential operators, the report added, but it was not considered a "sufficiently financially viable option to appeal to them".

Four council-employed staff would be subject to compulsory redundancy if community use stopped.

The cabinet is asked to approve an eight-week consultation, with findings to be considered at a meeting next year.

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