Community Expresses Dismay Over Sports Centre Closure

Activists have stated that the permanent closure of Dewsbury Sports Centre, the sole council-operated leisure facility in the West Yorkshire town, is expected to “detrimentally affect” thousands of local residents across all age groups. The centre ceased operations in 2023 following the detection of reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) within its pool structure. Kirklees Council estimated that a complete renovation would incur costs of up to £10m. With over 60,000 inhabitants, the town’s residents have expressed concerns that this decision will negatively impact the health of older individuals and limit opportunities for children to acquire swimming skills. Following the resolution to permanently shut down the facility, a local authority councillor remarked that the closure was approved with a “very heavy heart.” The cabinet members cast their votes in favor of the closure after a contentious debate on Tuesday, citing the council’s prevailing financial circumstances. The centre was identified as the least profitable among all facilities managed by Kirklees Active Leisure (KAL), incurring annual losses exceeding £1.1m. Frances Livesey, who suffers from arthritis and previously utilized the facility daily, joined the Save Our Sports Centre campaign group. She stated, “When I can’t exercise, I just stiffen up – I can’t walk, I really struggle. I have to bring a walking stick out.” Another campaigner, Surraya Patel, cautioned that this decision would affect the health of all residents in the vicinity. Patel asserted, “Every demographic within this community has been detrimentally affected.” She added, “We’ve actually been contacted by doctors surgeries to say they are seeing patients now that they haven’t seen for years,” elaborating, “We’re talking about elderly patients with arthritis because they cannot access a sports centre where they were able to manage their ailments.” The nearest council-operated alternatives available to residents are Spen Valley Leisure Centre and Batley Sports and Tennis Centre. However, campaigners contended that these facilities are less accessible via public transportation, and individuals seeking activities for those over 50 are encountering waiting lists. Robin Price described the closure as “really upsetting,” expressing concern for the safety of local children. He stated, “We’ve got so many canals and rivers around here, they have to learn how to swim.” Price further commented, “If you don’t learn early in life, it’s very hard later on – if they don’t reopen it I don’t know what the youth of this area are going to do.” Councillor Graham Turner, the council’s cabinet member for finance and regeneration, commented, “We took this decision with a very heavy heart. Unfortunately, the finances of the council are such that we cannot afford to maintain and rebuild the sports centre.” Turner further stated, “It was a very tough decision and nobody takes any joy from this whatsoever but that’s where we are. We have to deliver a balanced budget and protect those vital services.”