Record visitor figures for Walsall's leisure centres
A record number of visitors flocked to Walsall's four leisure centres and organised activities in the borough in the past year, new figures have revealed.
The number of people passing through the doors of Oak Park Leisure Centre, Bloxwich Leisure Centre, Darlaston Swimming Pool and Walsall Gala Baths, or taking part in activities run by the sports development team, smashed the million barrier for the first time in 2012 to 2013.
There were 104,745 more attendees compared to the previous year as visitors soared by 11 per cent to 1,076,748 for the period.
Walsall Council's leisure boss, Councillor Anthony Harris, said the authority had been working hard to get more residents active but declared there was more to be done.
Events run by the sports development team included the Walsall Arboretum park run.
Councillor Harris said: "We are working hard to get more people, more active, more often and these figures show we are moving in the right direction.
"It is important, however, that we do not become complacent as there is still a lot more work we need to do around getting more of the borough's residents to take part in regular exercise.
"I believe the service we currently offer is good but I want it to be excellent. Last year was a massive year for sport with the 2012 London Olympics and we need to continue building on the impetus that has created and ensure in Walsall there is a lasting Olympic legacy.
"What we are now doing is looking at a 25 year plan for leisure centres to secure a long term high quality service for residents that will encourage more people to engage in physical activity.
"We also have a number of exciting new initiatives planned for 2013 to 2014 which will help us build on this strong performance and encourage people to keep coming through our doors."
Initiatives introduced by the sport and leisure team in the past year have included the launch of the Move It discount membership card and gym memberships from £10 per month.
It emerged last month that charges at leisure centres in Walsall could be reduced as part of multi-million pound plans to create new venues and boost users further.
Chiefs are looking to increase the number of visitors and have developed £14 million plans for modern centres at Walsall Wood, Bloxwich, while the future of the Gala Baths, in Tower Street, is being considered. They say some prices could be reduced to urge more participation and tackle the levels of inactivity around the borough.
