Rescue hope for leisure centre

A six-month stay of execution could be given to under-threat Willenhall Leisure Centre – with council chiefs warning "use it or lose it".

Campaigners fighting to save it from the axe made an "impassioned plea" to leader of Walsall Council Mike Bird, who said he would hold talks with the decision-making cabinet.

Councillor Bird said the protesters had "fair and proper reasons" for wanting to keep the cen-tre and swimming pool open and he would negotiate with the cabinet for it to remain in the town.

Campaigners today said the move offered them a "glimmer of hope" and urged families to visit the centre or lose it forever.

The Bath Street building, used by swimmers, sequence dancers and sports clubs, has been earmarked for closure as part of £12 million of council savings over the next financial year.

Campaigner Diane Coughlan said: "It is by no means a done deal but it does give us some light at the end of the tunnel.

"If we do get the six months, we will look to bring it in line with leisure centres across the rest of the borough and get as many people through the doors as possible. We are absolutely thrilled by this glimmer of hope, however small."

Last week, the council's Community Services Scrutiny Panel voted five to two against a proposal to save more than £200,000 through other services and retain the centre, despite a petition of more than 3,000 signatures calling for the centre to stay.

But Councillor Bird said it was only fair Willenhall was considered alongside all of Walsall's other leisure facilities in a comprehensive cost-cutting review.

"I listened to their impassioned plea and they had some fair and proper reasons to keep it open," Councillor Bird said. "If all the other leisure facilities in Walsall are being reviewed, then it is only fair that Willenhall is included.