Rachel has written to the Conservative Leader of North Warwickshire Borough Council, to raise the concerns of local residents are inadequate interim provision being provided to local residents during the construction of the new Atherstone Leisure Centre.
In her letter, Rachel said:
I am writing regarding the recent closure of Atherstone Leisure Centre ahead of the redevelopment of the site, and the arrangements being put in place for residents during the construction period.
I very much welcome the investment in a new leisure centre for Atherstone and the long‑term benefits that a modern facility will bring. It is something I have long advocated for and I am very pleased it is now within sight. However, I am continuing to receive a significant volume of correspondence from local residents who are deeply concerned about the lack of adequate interim provision during the closure period. I am aware that many people rely on the current leisure centre for their physical and mental wellbeing.
In particular, residents have raised the following issues with my office:
- Lack of local facilities in Atherstone during the closure beyond a limited number of classes delivered at The Queen Elizabeth Academy. Many users, especially older residents, feel this falls far short of meeting existing demand and leaves long gaps in provision during the daytime and evenings.
- Swimming and gym access which is particularly valued by older residents and those managing long‑term health conditions. A prolonged interruption to regular exercise routines is a source of genuine concern.
- Transport to alternative sites including the proposed bus service to Polesworth. Residents had been advised that a service will be provided; however, I note that the recently published timetable only includes two very early morning services during the week for swimming, one for Aquafit and one in the middle of the day on a Saturday. These are unlikely to be suitable for the elderly or those with preschool children and therefore I believe to be deeply inadequate, falling far short of residents’ expectations. Could you please advise what consultation with pool users was undertaken in support of this timetable, and will further transport plans be implemented and advertised given the facility has now closed?
- Accessibility for non‑drivers including elderly and vulnerable residents who cannot easily travel to other leisure facilities or afford private gyms, most of which are no longer accepting new members. There appears to be no transport services for gym use at Polesworth or Coleshill.
- Absence of toilet provision in the town centre particularly now that both the leisure centre and the Memorial Hall are closed. Numerous people including Library staff, residents with young children and older residents all continue to raise concerns about the absence of accessible, free public toilets.
- Lack of Communication, with residents feeling that key decisions were confirmed after the closure date, limiting opportunities for meaningful engagement or alternative proposals.
A local petition calling for pop‑up or alternative gym and swimming provision in Atherstone has gathered support, and my office continues to receive correspondence from residents who feel that their concerns have not yet been adequately addressed.
Given the level of concern locally, I would be grateful if NWBC could set out clearly:
- Full details of the interim leisure provision available within Atherstone during the closure period, and whether this will be expanded.
- Full details of the proposed bus service(s), including days of operation, frequency, times, cost and how usage will be monitored and residents consulted.
- What arrangements will be in place to support elderly and disabled residents who may struggle to travel to alternative facilities.
- What provision will be made for public toilets in the town centre during the closure.
- How residents will be kept informed as arrangements are confirmed or changed.
- What grants will be available for groups like the tea dance, indoor bowls group and others to pay for alternative venues.
I want to be able to reassure residents that they will still be able to access swimming and exercise during the closure period and I’m sure you will be keen to do so too. I note that data from Sport England on levels of physical activity in the North Warwickshire LA area shows that the percentage of the population that undertakes no activity has increased from 14 to 18% from 2021 – the post Covid period – with 27% now undertaking no or light activity only. This demonstrates the need for continuous access to facilities for physical activity to ensure people maintain an active lifestyle.