Public use of leisure centre at the birthplace of modern Olympics under threat

Shropshire Council's cabinet this morning - Wednesday, December 4 - voted to press ahead with a consultation on the future management of Much Wenlock Leisure Centre - with a specific proposal to withdraw the subsidy it provides to open the site to the public.

The facility, which has a swimming pool, gym, sports hall, artificial pitch, and a multi-use games area, is owned by the William Brookes Academy Trust, which is part of the 3-18 Education Trust. 

It is open to the public outside of school time, for a total of 56.25 hours a week, when it is operated by Shropshire Council.

The council is looking for alternative management to take over the centre to run it for the public.

Speaking during a discussion on the proposal, Shropshire Council Leader, Councillor Lezley Picton, said the 'last thing any of us wants it to close a facility that the public use'.

Both Councillor Picton, and Councillor Rob Macey, who is in charge of the authority's cultural and digital portfolio, stressed the consultation is to look at ways for the centre to remain open.

Councillor Picton said: "The reason for the consultation is to find out what other people think."

She added that discussions with the 3-18 Education Trust over possibilities had been 'positive'.

Councillor Picton said that the problems of not being able to open the site in the day were significant hurdles to its operation for the public.

She said: "I think part of the issue, as you quite rightly say, is the leisure centre, unlike some of the other joint-use centres, is not open in school hours in any way, shape or form, and that makes it very difficult."

The cabinet's approved recommendation includes that it consults on options for the future of the site, including cease operating the centre, and withdrawing the subsidy of £280,040.

Speaking during the discussions, local Much Wenlock Councillor Dan Thomas, delivered a passionate call to retain the facility for public use.

He said: "I’m sure I don’t need to remind people that Much Wenlock is the birthplace of the modern Olympics, giving it the best sporting heritage of anywhere in our county.

"This is a valued asset for the town and the surrounding communities but has not been used to its full extent. As a result, its financial performance falls well short of its undoubted potential."

Councillor Thomas said he understood the need for the cash-strapped council to save money, but implored the cabinet to recognise its value to residents - and secure a deal which keeps it open for the public.

He also urged the council to recognise the long-term benefits of improving peoples health.

He said: "Of course, I understand the need for Shropshire Council to find savings to address the rising demand for social care, but as the local councillor for Much Wenlock, my priority is trying to find a way to get a deal that works for our community. 

"It is worth mentioning an obvious truth - that the fitness benefits of a leisure centre open when people, especially older people, want to use it could significantly benefit public health over time and reduce reliance on care in later life. Prevention is better than looking for a cure."

He added that the there are positive indications over future agreements to run the centre - but asked the council to delay starting the consultation to allow those discussions to take place.

He said: "It may not be all doom and gloom; discussions between 3-18 Education Trust, which runs William Brookes School and Shropshire Council indicate they are keen to try and find a way to continue the community use should local authority funding be withdrawn after the twelve months’ consultation notice period.

"All parties are very receptive to any support or suggestions from the community or other stakeholders. I hope that by working together, we can find a way to maintain community use of the leisure centre."

Councillor Rosemary Dartnall, leader of the authority's Labour group said it made no sense to close a facility when hundreds of homes are set to be built nearby, at the former Ironbridge Power Station.

She added: "It is shocking to think any 14 year old facility could close to the public, let along one with such links to the modern Olympics."

Conservative Cabinet Member Kirstie Hurst-Knight said no decision had taken on the site, despite 'political spin' over the situation.