Council launches review over future of leisure centres

THE future of leisure centres in Powys is up for debate as the council begins an in-depth review of the services. The review considers the provision, usage, running costs, carbon emissions and building conditions of the current offer, as well as other active leisure opportunities available to the people in the county.

Cabinet member for a more prosperous Powys, Councillor David Selby, said: “To expand on the participation and financial data we already have available, we are asking for your views to help us design a sustainable leisure offer for the future.

“This survey forms part of a county wide public engagement to give as many people as possible the opportunity to both give their views and ideas to improve and support our leisure facilities.

“I encourage as many people as possible to have their say in this important part of our leisure review.”

The review comes months after the council scrapped plans to temporarily close three leisure centres and three swimming pools in Powys.

Powys Council proposed temporarily closing the facilities in December 2022 to counter rising energy costs and the cost-of-living crisis.

The proposals included the temporary closure of Llanfair Caereinion, Llanfyllin and Presteigne leisure centres and swimming pools at Llanidloes, Rhayader and Builth. Powys Council eventually backed down from the proposition following public backlash.

The closing date for responses is Monday, August 28.