Council tries again to close Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre after High Court stopped previous attempts. Repair costs are too High.
A fresh report indicates they’ll try again right away. The council states the center requires too much repair and isn’t up to date, failing to meet their leisure goals.
The council initially wanted to close it back in 2018 as part of a 2019 plan for sports. Since then, people have strongly disagreed, while the council desires fewer, better leisure places that are easier to access.
Money is an issue for them; they run more leisure centers than other Welsh areas with a budget of £4.2 million. Opposition to closing Pontllanfraith and its sports field has led to legal problems.
The High Court blocked the closure in 2019, citing equality concerns. It became a vaccine center but never fully reopened. In 2023, they tried closing it again, approving the move which then triggered legal action.
Last month, the council admitted a legal error stemming from the legal firm representing the opponent. Protesters state the leisure center is used frequently and has faced closure threats for some time.
Before the pandemic, nearly 80,000 people visited yearly, with two-thirds using the all-weather sports pitch. Most people stated closure would negatively impact them, while only a few thought it would have a good impact.
Some argue there aren’t enough sports places and sports pitches are lacking, with further sites being too far away for many. The council stated the needed repairs cost £476,000 and the pitch needs replacing at £280,000.
A new center for vulnerable learners, which includes a smaller sports pitch, will replace some lost facilities and is being built. The council claims that seven other leisure places are a short drive away and offer efficient, updated facilities.
A council group will discuss the plan on February 11 and is also asking people about closing three other centers in Bedwas, Cefn Fforest, and New Tredegar.