4,000 sign petition to save Powys outdoor centre

Last year Staylittle Outdoor Centre, near Llanidloes, was named as one of three leisure facilities under threat as part of leisure saving plans at Powys County Council.

The centre, run by Freedom Leisure since July 2015, holds a range of outdoor activities, but following a behind closed doors decision, it is now set to close for good at the end of the financial year.

The move has been made due to a lack of viable bids to take over the running of the facility, and it is estimated the closure will save £130,000 annually.

Maggie Fitzpatrick-Reeves has set up an online petition in a bid to get the decision reversed.

A statement on the petition said a bid had been received by the council, and it would have cost the local authority nothing to keep going.

The statement said: "This is after, in our opinion, minimal and inaccurate market research that led to just a handful of bids. We wish to petition Powys County Council to reverse their decision and look again at the options for keeping Staylittle Outdoor Centre open.

"It is known that at least one if these bids would have ensured the continuation of the centre operation at no cost to Powys County Council.

Staylittle Outdoor Centre is a viable organisation and has already received many bookings from Powys schools, and the wider Wales and UK for 2018 and 2019.

"It has been operating for the direct benefit of Powys residents for over 25 years and in this time thousands of children have discovered the wonderful, great outdoors and giving them the opportunity to challenge themselves in a safe and fulfilling environment.

"Please support us by signing this petition to persuade Powys County Council to look again at their decision and think about the enormous social cost to the county."

Cabinet member for leisure, councillor Rachel Powell said the new cabinet hope that new opportunities can be created in the future.

She said: "The council investigated a number of options that would have seen the centre remain open, including seeking alternative operators through a marketing exercise.

“Regrettably, there were no viable options that the cabinet could support and a decision was made to close the facility at the end of the financial year.

"The building will be moth-balled giving the council the opportunity to consider future possible uses.

“As a new cabinet hope that this will create new opportunities for all areas within the county council to explore an alternative or combined service for the Staylittle site. This would be the ideal solution."

To see the petition, visit change.org/p/rosemary-harris-save-staylittle-outdoor-centre