Oswestry Leisure Centre is open for business
[gallery] Oswestry's new leisure centre was given a huge seal of approval by hundreds of people who turned out for its official opening at the weekend.
Oswestry's new leisure centre was given a huge seal of approval by hundreds of people who turned out for its official opening at the weekend.
The multi-million pound centre, off Shrewsbury Road, was praised by customers, staff, sports clubs and Paralympic basketball player Mark Fosbrook.
Mr Fosbrook, from Oswestry, helped Shropshire Council leader Keith Barrow open the centre on Saturday. He revealed he would be using a court as part of his training for the Paralympic Games.
"The centre looks great and I have already had a good workout," he said.
Helene Cook, of Border Gymnasts which gave demonstrations to visitors on Saturday, said: "The centre has a nice vibe to it."
The new building has replaced Oswestry's ageing leisure centre in nearby College Road, opened 35 years ago by Princess Anne.
It was expected to last about 25 years but has limped on, overcoming problems with the heating and tiles lifting from the swimming pools, until a new centre could be built.
Staff at the centre worked long hours moving equipment into the new building.
Sian Roberts, senior duty manager at the leisure centre, said: "The staff were absolutely brilliant. Everyone pulled together and worked far and beyond the call of duty. We all need to recharge out batteries now."
The new centre includes two swimming pools, indoor sports halls and a gym.
By Sue Austin
