Activity centre visited by Duke and Duchess of Cambridge at risk as budgets get tight
Fears have been raised over the future of an activity centre owned by Wolverhampton council which was visited by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge just last month.
The authority is reviewing the future of the Towers Residential Outdoor Education Centre in Wales which has been visited by thousands of children from the city.
And there are now fears that the centre, which opened in 1961, could be sold off as part of budget cuts.
The Towers outdoor centre is based in Snowdonia, near Betws-y-Coed on the A5, but is owned and run by Wolverhampton council and has been since it opened.
Just last month the Duke and Duchess paid the centre a visit and tried their hand at abseiling and climbing.
Next year, the council is set to make a decision on the future of the centre. It is not believed that any proposals have yet been made, but the city's Conservative group leader Councillor Wendy Thompson fears it could be sold off as the authority faces crippling budget cuts.
Councillor Thompson, who represents Tettenhall Wightwick ward, said: "I know they are examining all of the sites to see what they can sell off.
"It would be a great pity, it provides fantastic outdoor pursuits and activities for our youngster who otherwise wouldn't have those things available to them.
"I hope that the decision to move it off the council's asset register won't be taken, frankly I think that would be a very poor step indeed to take."
The Duke and Duchess were at the centre to highlight charity work focusing on young people's mental well-being, with children from the charity Mind at the centre. They were also marking the 25th anniversary of Mountain Rescue Wales, of which Prince William is a patron. The couple took turns to abseil down a 12m wall at the centre, with the Duke first to take the plunge.
A spokesman for Wolverhampton council said: "Since it was acquired in 1961, thousands of Wolverhampton children have enjoyed the unique experiences offered by the Towers outdoors pursuits residential centre in Snowdonia.
"It has been some time since the council has reviewed the provision at Towers, and we will be doing so in the new year to ensure that we can continue to offer these exciting opportunities to young people in Wolverhampton."
