Closure threat to three leisure centres in Flintshire

Feb 4 2010 by Dave Goodban, Flintshire Chronicle

Connah's Quay Sports Centre

THREE community leisure centres could be facing closure after it emerged Flintshire County Council no longer wants to run them.

The Chronicle understands Connah’s Quay Sports Centre, Hope Sports Centre and Saltney Sports Centre could be shut for good if the schools to which they are affiliated or local councils cannot afford to take over the running costs.

The centres at Connah’s Quay High School, Castell Alun High School and St David’s High School are open seven days a week and are also used by members of the public.

The provisional plans have been condemned by Flintshire’s leading Labour councillors, who believe the move is aimed at saving the council money.

They say schools and community councils will never be able to afford to maintain the facilities, and fear closure could be the only option.

Connah's Quay Sports Centre

Saltney Sports Centre

Hope Sports Centre

Connah’s Quay councillor Bernie Attridge said: “People in Connah’s Quay will feel very angry if the council presses ahead with plans to close our sports centre. It’s the biggest town in Flintshire.”

Fellow Connah’s Quay councillor Aaron Shotton said: “I am appalled to learn that the council is even considering closing our sports centre. It is an important facility for the town.

“I don’t think I’m being too sensitive. I do believe that the threat is a real and present danger, and I will fight any plans to close the centre.”

Connah’s Quay High headteacher Greg Dixon has already received a letter from the council outlining the options.

The council was unable to say how many people are employed across the three centres, or how many people use the facilities.

Ian Budd, Flintshire’s director of lifelong learning, said: “As was identified in the Leisure Services Strategy agreed by the council’s executive in mid-2009, we are embarking on discussions with school governing bodies regarding appropriate management arrangements for three school sports centres, these being Connah’s Quay High School, Castell Alun, Hope, and St David’s High School in Saltney.”