Wolverhampton council chief rules out closing swimming baths as part of £32.5 million cuts

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the council's cabinet member for wellbeing, said there were no plans to close any of the authority's three leisure centres.

She was responding to a letter from Councillor Simon Bennett, leader of the opposition Conservative group on the council, who voiced concerns that the baths were under threat. 

Speculation has been mounting about the future of the site in Park Avenue since the council said it would be looking to rationalise' its leisure-centre provision in November as part of a £32.5 million cuts package.

At the time, council leader Councillor Stephen Simkins said it was too early to say if any council-run leisure centres were at risk but did not rule it out.

But Councillor Jaspal said the council had now drawn up plans that will reduce the cost of running leisure services.

These will be presented to the council's cabinet next month.

She said: "The recent speculation about the future of Central Baths has been very disappointing, and has caused much upset in the community, and among customers and the dedicated staff who run this important facility.

"Against a backdrop of increasing budgetary pressures and rising demand, particularly in social care, we have rightly been looking at everything we do as a council to ensure that we can deliver the services our residents want, while continuing to look after the most vulnerable people in our city.

"As part of this, the leader of the council and I tasked officers with carrying out a review of our leisure provision.

"But rather than looking at closing services, we have instead been able to develop a range of proposals that will help us to reduce the costs of running our leisure services and ensure their sustainability.

"I am delighted to say that we will be bringing these forward for approval by cabinet at next month's meeting. 

"In the meantime, let me reiterate – there are categorically no plans to close leisure facilities in Wolverhampton, including Central Baths, and it is unhelpful and wrong for anyone to suggest otherwise." 

Councillor Bennett had written to Councillor Simkins expressing concerns about the future of the baths. 

"Central Baths is far more than just a swimming pool; it is a lifeline for countless individuals, families, and community groups," he wrote.

"It is the only pool located within walking distance of the city centre, making it indispensable for residents, Wolverhampton University students, and communities such as Whitmore Reans and Heath Town."

Councillor Bennett said more than 6,000 children benefit from free swimming lessons at Central Baths, while many schools also depended on the site for their swimming programmes.

"The pool also serves as the home of Wolverhampton Swimming Club and a lifesaving club for young people," he wrote.

"With significant residential development planned for the city centre, it is essential to ensure that amenities like the swimming pool remain available for incoming families and individuals."

In November the council said it planned to 'rationalise' its three leisure centres - Central Baths, Aldersley Leisure Village, and the Bert Williams Leisure Centre in Bilstion -  and refused to rule out possible closures.

A report by chief executive Tim Johnson said: "Leisure centres, especially swimming pools, are some of our most expensive buildings to run and maintain.

"Through use, they are also subject to accelerated ageing, which increases year on year. We will review the current provision, in particular reviewing buildings no longer fit for purpose. Full details will be brought forward before any decisions are made."