Leisure centre saved from axe after 3,000 back campaign
A swimming pool and leisure centre threatened with closure has been saved from the axe.
Beeches Pool and Leisure Centre in Great Barr will be taken over by a private contractor next April following a campaign backed by 3,000 people.
It had faced an uncertain future as part of controversial cost-cutting plans by Birmingham City Council to shake up its services.
But residents had fought to save the popular centre in Beeches Road, which is used by families in Sandwell and Walsall as well as by a large number of schools for swimming lessons.
A petition signed by 3,000 people was presented to council bosses by campaigners Karen Hamilton and Jon Hunt.
Council leaders have now drawn up a new plans for private operators to come on board and manage Beeches Pool alongside others, including Wyndley Leisure Centre in Sutton Coldfield and new builds in Ladywood and Erdington.
Meanwhile Alexander Stadium, based in nearby Perry Barr, which is home to Birchfield Harriers athletics club and hosting world class meetings, will also come under the management of a separate organisation.
The Alexander Stadium complex will comprise of the athletics track and stadium facilities, the High Performance Centre with training area for athletes, the gymnastics and martial arts centre and neighbouring BMX track.
Proposals produced as part of the authority's sport and physical activity service review will be discussed by city council cabinet member's next Tuesday. Birmingham City Council's deputy leader, Councillor Ian Ward, said: "This report builds on the Sport and Leisure Facilities Framework agreement and sets out how we can provide good value, cost effective and modern leisure facilities to Birmingham residents whilst safeguarding their future.
