'Closing our leisure centre would have a profoundly negative impact - it's more than just a facility'

A consultation was launched by Shropshire Council earlier this year on proposals to stop funding Much Wenlock Leisure Centre as the authority attempts to save money to balance its budget.

Since 2010, the council has used the facilities at William Brookes School to operate and manage a leisure centre for residents. But the council is now proposing to give 12 months' notice to cease operations and withdraw a subsidy for community use, which could see the leisure centre close to the public. 

The decision has seen South Shropshire MP Stuart Anderson voice his opposition to the proposals.

Now Much Wenlock Town Council has issued a formal response the the consultation, in which members brand Shropshire Council's consultation "not balanced".

The response issued by the town's Mayor, Marcus Themans, and his deputy, Dan Thomas, who is also a county councillor, said: "The proposed closure of the Much Wenlock Leisure Centre is deeply concerning and would have a profoundly negative impact on the local community.

"Leisure centres are more than just facilities; they are vital community hubs that promote physical and mental wellbeing, foster social connections and provide opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to engage in healthy activities.

"Closing this facility would disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, including children, older adults, and those with disabilities, who rely on the centre for exercise, rehabilitation, and social engagement. 

"The decision to close the leisure centre also undermines efforts and strategic commitments to combat rising health challenges, such as obesity and mental health issues, which are exacerbated by a lack of accessible recreational spaces. Furthermore, it contradicts the Government’s commitments to improving public health and encouraging active lifestyles.

"It would be wrong to see the leisure centre as a Much Wenlock facility per se. It serves community health and wellbeing needs for a wide area including Broseley, Bridgnorth, Much Wenlock, Cressage and the wider rural surroundings. It will need to continue to serve these areas as well as the strategic developments at Buildwas and Tasley. This amounts to a much larger catchment population than is sometimes appreciated."

The response continued: "The consultation offered by Shropshire Council is not a balanced one, insofar as it is only considering how to address the unitary authority’s budget difficulties. Instead of closure, the focus should be on exploring sustainable solutions, such as partnerships, community-led initiatives, or grants, to maintain and enhance the facility. 

"The local community’s current and future interests must be considered, and alternative options must be fully explored before making a decision that would strip Much Wenlock and the surrounding area of such an essential resource.

"Lessons must be learned from the litany of mistakes and shortcomings, many of which are long standing and widely acknowledged, that have resulted in an underperforming facility. The experience gained must be used positively to develop a sustainable and secure future that maximises commercial opportunities for the benefit of the academy and the community. Successful models for operating joint facilities exist throughout the country; there is no shortage of inspiration. We all need to approach this situation with ambition to find a solution that benefits the whole community." 

The consultation closed on Wednesday (February 5).