The future of leisure centres in Powys is up for debate as the council begins an in-depth review of the services.
On July 3, Powys County Council announced that a review of the county’s leisure services and opportunities had begun.
The review will consider the provision, usage, running costs, carbon emissions and building conditions of the current offer, as well as other active leisure opportunities available to the people of Powys.
Cabinet Member for a More Prosperous Powys, Cllr David Selby said: “To expand on the participation and financial data we already have available, we are asking for your views to help us design a sustainable leisure offer for the future.
“This survey forms part of a county wide public engagement to give as many people as possible the opportunity to both give their views and ideas to improve and support our leisure facilities.
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“I encourage as many people as possible to have their say in this important part of our leisure review.”
The review comes months after the council scrapped plans to temporarily close three leisure centres and three swimming pools in Powys.
Powys Council proposed temporarily closing the facilities in December 2022 to counter rising energy costs and the cost-of-living crisis.
The proposals included the temporary closure of Llanfair Caereinion, Llanfyllin and Presteigne leisure centres and swimming pools at Llanidloes, Rhayader and Builth.
Powys Council eventually backed down from the proposition following public backlash.
Montgomeryshire MP Craig Williams said at the time: “We must now have a serious discussion about long term plan for our leisure centres. They are critical for our communities, I will work with Russell George MS and Powys councillors in the new year to discuss options with the cabinet member.”
For more details of the review and to take part in the online engagement exercise, people can visit: https://www.haveyoursaypowys.wales/powys-leisure-review-2023
Paper copies of the survey are available to pick up from local libraries and once completed they can be handed back to staff at a Powys Library or Freedom Leisure Centre.
Alternatively, the survey can be scanned and emailed to haveyoursay@powys.gov.uk
The closing date for responses is Monday, August 28, 2023.
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