Crowd funding bid to save Shropshire leisure centre

Supporters of the SpArC leisure centre and theatre in Bishop's Castle are calling for donations and fundraising ideas to help raise £50,000 amid fears that Shropshire Council cuts could spell the end for the centre.

It is hoped the money will be match funded and will safeguard access to the swimming pool for local school children.

Venues such as SpArC and Church Stretton Leisure Centre are already facing a major loss of funding as money given to them through schools has been cut, with campaigners presenting a 2,500-signature petition to Shropshire Council in December calling for assurances over the SpArC's future.

But in a double blow Shropshire Council announced its £1.8 million county-wide budget for leisure centres and swimming pools will be cut to zero for the year 2017/18 in recent weeks.

Jean Shirley, of the SpArC marketing group, said: "The root problem is that there will be a substantial shortfall between the centre's running costs and its income when Shropshire Council withdraws funding. The Bishop's Castle leisure centre pool is most immediately under threat but if it were rescued the whole centre including the theatre would be saved.

"In its statement, Shropshire Council expresses concern for Shrewsbury, but under-populated areas which generate few votes are easily forgotten.

"SpArC is the only leisure centre in Shropshire which is both increasing membership and attendances, and also performing above budget.

"The theatre, a unique facility, shows a 50 per cent audience increase since 2013."

She said the centre was also essential for school pupils to swim and for medical referrals to help combat heart disease and obesity. The centre was also used by pensioners and those with special needs for their health and wellbeing, she said.

Action to date has included the installation of 200 solar panels on the roof of SpArC by Shropshire Council to help with energy costs, vocal support from the Alan Doust, headteacher at the Community College in Bishop's Castle, an audit of changes needed to reduce running costs and the enlistment of a number of volunteers in crucial roles in the campaign to support the SpArC.

Now the focus had turned to raising money from the community, she said.

"As a first step we are running a crowd funding proposal to maintain pool access for school children. We hope to use the proceeds to match-fund income from other sources," she said.

Anyone interested in helping with the campaign can contact Jean on (01588) 638877 or at jeanshirley@btinternet.com, or Richard Whateley on (01547) 510681 or at richard.whately@btinternet.com