A £2.5 million spending programme on leisure centres in Powys has been rubber stamped by councillors.

While Powys Council's cabinet heard that funding for building projects needs to be rejigged – partly due to the coronavirus pandemic – work on leisure centres can now go ahead.

It means that outdoor sports pitches at Llanidloes and Welshpool can be replaced, and centres across the county have car parks resurfaced, new lights installed and fitness equipment acquired.,

Portfolio holder for culture Cllr Rachel Powell said: “The investment in our leisure centres will be hugely beneficial especially with the current situation.

“Young people and children in time will go back to school and hopefully use these resources.

“It demonstrates that there has been opportunities during this crisis when previously they would have been delayed by the usage.”

The working budget for the council's capital programme has been revised down to £121.8 million, from £132.87 million.

Finance portfolio holder Cllr Aled Davies said the actual spend and committed expenditure so far is £32.48million and that he expected “slippage” or delays on schemes.

Cllr Davies added that a review of capital schemes included identifying those which can be delayed or even stopped was under way.

The report also proposed moving £130,000 between budget accounts to buy four tipper trucks, to help build houses.

Major work on building schemes includes technical design work on the new school building for Ysgol Gymraeg y Trallwng (Welshpool), further feasibility work for the new building scheme Ysgol Bro Hyddgen in Machynlleth and early design work for two new special schools, Cedewain and Brynllywarch.

The recycling facility being built at Abermule will also receive more funding as will improvements to the ICT infrastructure.

Cabinet noted and approved the report and the spending on leisure centres will go to full council for approval.

County Times:

Bro Dyfi Leisure Centre in Machynlleth will have its roof replaced

The money for leisure centre refurbishments will be allocated as follows:

  • Llanidloes Sports Centre £450,000 – replacement outdoor sports pitch.
  • Flash Leisure Centre, Welshpool  – £500,000 to £600,000 to replace of outdoor sports pitch, and £40,000 for car park resurfacing
  • Maldwyn Leisure Centre, Newtown – £100,000 to replace lights for outdoor pitch and athletics track and  £52,000 for car park resurfacing
  • Brecon Leisure Centre Swimming Pool – £950,000 for work on swimming pool and £45,000 for replacement air handling unit
  • Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre (Machynlleth) £180,000 to replace the roof.
  • Knighton Sports Centre -£25,000 for flooring
  • £25,000 on light replacement at Maldwyn and Bro Dyfi Leisure Centres
  • Builth Wells Sports Centre –  £65, 000 for fitness equipment.