Campaigners fighting to keep Dewsbury Sports Centre open have expressed devastation following a decision by Kirklees Council’s Cabinet on 5 November to close the facility permanently.
The decision, which will also shut the attached swimming pool, has sparked outrage in the local community, particularly as no Dewsbury or Batley Councillors were involved in the vote.
The Save Our Sports Centre Group, which has gathered significant local support, is determined to challenge the closure. They plan to invoke a procedure known as “call-in,” which allows them to argue that the decision was improperly made, as it was not referred to a Scrutiny Committee before being implemented.
The group argues that the report used by the Council to justify the closure is flawed. Notably, the September 2023 independent structural report on RAAC (Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) in the building did not recommend closure at any point. In fact, the report suggested that the pool area could be reopened with some simple repairs, while the dryside of the building was unaffected by the material.
Around 5,000 local residents signed a petition to keep the Sports Centre open, with many raising concerns about the impact of its closure on their physical and mental health. Families, including those with children with disabilities, have emphasized the vital role the centre plays in maintaining their well-being.
Campaigners have raised several issues with the Council’s handling of the situation:
RAAC Concerns: While the presence of RAAC in the building was noted, campaigners believe this was not enough to justify closure. The dryside remains unaffected by the material, and repairs to the pool area would likely allow it to reopen. Other public buildings across the country are still in use despite the presence of RAAC.
Delayed Access to the Report: The campaign group claims that the Council concealed the independent report for several months, releasing only partial information about the structural concerns. It was only after a Freedom of Information (FOI) request that the full report was obtained. Despite requests, the Council also refused to allow the campaign group’s structural engineer to visit the building and assess possible repairs, delaying any potential solutions.
Premature Closure Decision: The Council acted swiftly to close the Sports Centre, even before obtaining estimates for the costs of the necessary repairs. Campaigners believe that with proper maintenance, the centre could have been saved.
Lack of Transparency: The Council has yet to comply with additional Freedom of Information requests from the campaign group regarding usage data and the financial situation of the Sports Centre.
Health Impacts: Cllr Addy, at the Cabinet meeting, claimed that the closure would not affect the health of the local community. However, campaigners point to numerous personal testimonies collected during their petition drive, where local residents shared how the Sports Centre has been crucial for their physical and mental health. Without the Centre, many feel their health is at risk.
Lack of Alternative Facilities: While the Council points to other local sports centres as alternatives, campaigners argue these facilities are often overcrowded, difficult to access by public transport, or too far away. Additionally, the reduction of sessions at local OWLS centres means fewer opportunities for residents to access vital services. Private gyms in the area also lack the full range of amenities available at Dewsbury Sports Centre, particularly a sports hall and swimming pool.
With the closure set to have far-reaching effects on the community, the Save Our Sports Centre Group is committed to continuing their fight, hoping to convince the Council to reconsider the decision and reopen the Sports Centre for the benefit of local residents.
