1,700 sign petition to save Frodsham Leisure Centre

MORE than 1,700 people have signed an online petition calling on Cheshire West and Council to put money into Frodsham Leisure Centre.
They claim the centre is in a deteriorating condition with a leaking roof and other problems and fear the council could be deliberately neglecting the building with a view to closing it permanently.
The petition has been organised by two local men, Adrian Reese and John Barrett.
Mr Reese has used the centre for nearly 20 years to organise indoor football for 50 players.
He said: “Its loss would have a huge impact on the well-being of us all.”
Mr Barrett added: “There has been little or no money spent on the building for 15 years.
“Issues such as the leaking roof have just been patched up – a botch-up job.
“The centre could be a profit-making business – 25-30 groups are using it.”
Mr Barrett said it was feared the council might be considering demolishing the leisure centre, adjoining library and health centre, to make the site available for redevelopment.
A report on the proposed leisure, health and wellbeing offer for the whole of Cheshire West and Chester is due to come before the council’s cabinet on Wednesday (November 25) which accepts there is a need to consider the accessibility of a swimming pool for Frodsham.
The document, to be presented by leader of the council Cllr Louise Gittins, says options for a leisure, health and wellbeing and library service for Frodsham and Helsby are to be considered.
A project group, including local stakeholders, will be set up in January next year, and it is expected options can be developed by July. The proposals will be shared with the local community.
In the short term, the reports adds, Frodsham Leisure Centre would continue to operation on a limited basis.