Dudley borough leisure centres row: Calls to scrap plan to lose one venue under cost pressures

The controlling Labour group has work to do if it is to convince Tory and UKIP councillors the move is right for the Dudley borough.

Just weeks after council bosses suffered a humiliating defeat over its plan to increase council tax, they are again facing running into difficulties, this time over the controversial leisure centre proposals which have prompted a major backlash.

Almost 5,000 people have signed a petition urging the council to scrap the plans.

The petition will be presented to the council and discussed next week.

Bosses insist building two new leisure centres will be cheaper than paying to refurbish the existing three – Dudley Leisure Centre, Crystal Leisure Centre in Stourbridge and Halesowen Leisure Centre.

But critics say there will be a reduction in facilities and that at least one town will lose out.

Conservative group leader Councillor Patrick Harley said: "We need to have three leisure centres. Whether that is a combination of refurbished and new-build, we think there should be three and not two.

"If it remains as it is we shall vote against it. Halesowen requires its own leisure centre and we think one should remain in Stourbridge or a suitable location nearby."

UKIP has also said having three leisure centres in the borough is a 'red line' and they will not back any plans that leave it with two.

Dudley Council leader Pete Lowe has accused the opposition of trying to have it both ways by blocking a move to increase council tax and then complaining about the cost-cutting leisure centre proposals.

A feasibility study on the project is to be carried out before then going to public consultation.

Councillors from across the political spectrum are due to debate the plans on Monday.

Campaigner and former councillor Tracy Wood said: "These centres are vital in our communities."