Walsall Council’s Tory Cabinet ignored demands by Liberal Democrat councillor Ian Shires to strike out the closure of Willenhall Leisure Centre from the “Draft Budget” proposals being discussed at last night’s cabinet meeting.

Addressing the cabinet Ian said “I know that this years budget is not an easy one given the economic climate we find ourselves in. But singling out Willenhall in this way is a bad decision, one you may live to regret.”

Ian pointed out to the cabinet that Willenhall’s Town Centre stands at the heart of one of the most deprived wards in the  country and asked the cabinet “How can you say that your proposal to close Willenhall’s Leisure Centre in any way address that situation?”

As to the assertion by the portfolio holder for Finance and Personnel councillor Chris Towe that attendance figures were down due to a new facility just over the Wolverhampton boundary in Wednesfield Ian said “This is not so. Figures show that attendance year on year is actually up 17%.

Ian challenged whether the closure had been thought through properly. When questioned about what contingency plans were in place for the 12 schools across Willenhall and Bentley which use the swimming facilities at the centre the cabinet members could not say though one ventured to point out that there was a 50% surplus in capacity across the borough so that the 12 schools could be easily accommodated. 

Ian ended by saying “I urge you to withdraw line 115 of Appendix 2 or is that not possible because you’ve already decided, behind closed doors, that come what may this draft budget goes forward.”

The Tory’s voted through the draft budget which will now do the rounds of the Scrutiny Panels whose comments will be fed back to cabinet early next year before going to Full Council in February/March.

Speaking after the meeting Ian said that it was obvious that the closure of the leisure centre was an accountancy excercise and had not been thought through. As well as the issue of the 12 schools which use the facility what happens about other major events such as the “Old Folks Treat” the “Celebrate Willenhall” and “New Years Eve Extravaganza”

“It’s more than just a Leisure Centre”  said Ian, “It’s part of the town’s proud history and stands at the centre of our community” he concluded.