James Evans MS has criticised the Liberal Democrat-led Powys County Council’s proposal to close leisure centres and swimming pools until April.
The proposals, which were approved earlier today by Cabinet, are set to see a mixture of six leisure centres and swimming pools closed for three months over the winter to conserve energy.
The action was proposed by Powys County Council and not-for-profit leisure operator Freedom Leisure in response to the cost of living crisis and spiralling energy costs
The Brecon and Radnorshire MS made the call in the Senedd earlier today (Tuesday), when he stressed the importance of the facilities for residents in Powys. He also called on Welsh Government Ministers to support the facilities remaining open, and for them to remind Powys County Council officers and cabinet of their duties to consult residents on matters like this.
Mr Evans said: “Any closures would be devastating for people in my constituency and across Powys who rely on leisure centres to support their physical and mental health.
“Leisure centres and pools are also hugely important in keeping our children active. Make no mistake, this will be damaging.
“I also want Welsh Government to remind Powys Council about their obligation to consult residents around any changes to leisure facilities in our communities, instead of riding roughshod over what citizens want.”