Interest in Willenhall Leisure Centre hotting up

A flurry of potential buyers have come forward for Willenhall Leisure Centre, council chiefs revealed today.

But bosses at the authority said the Bath Street facility - which will close next Friday - may remain unsold for up to two years.

A final decision to axe the centre was made earlier this year, as part of cost-cutting measures at the authority totalling £22 million this year. Leisure chiefs say that the site was the one selected for closure because it was the borough's poorest performing leisure centre.

They say that it costs as much to run as the other sites, but serves only half as many people.

And having stressed that the centre could also be transformed into a cinema, skating rink or a concert hall, Walsall Council leader Mike Bird said there had been no shortage of inquiries.

"We have received a number of expressions of interest in the sale of the Willenhall Leisure Centre site and these will be considered in due course," he said.

"One of the problems is that everyone wants us to give it to them for nothing.

"Although we've had a lot of interest, obviously no-one has come along and said 'here's a cheque'.

"But while we are keen to sell it as soon as possible, it remains a council asset and we will not just let it go for peanuts.

"It could take two years to sell it."

Campaigners battled to save the centre, but it was forced to close in a raft of savings outlined in the council's emergency budget, including closing flagship attraction the New Art Gallery on Mondays, freezing recruitment at libraries, and ditching road safety lessons for pupils.