A THOUSAND people have signed a petition to keep Rhayader Leisure Centre open – just a matter of days since proposals were announced that could close leisure and swimming facilities in Powys.

Powys County Council (PCC) revealed proposals for the future of leisure facilities in the county on Friday (November 8), putting forward four options.

These mainly centre around keeping leisure centres and swimming pools open in Powys' five largest towns: Newtown, Welshpool, Brecon, Llandrindod Wells and Ystradgynlais.

However, leisure centres and dry facilities in smaller towns could close or be transferred to the community or local businesses.

A day after proposals were announced, an online petition was created by former Rhayader mayor Rhys Thomas, citing the importance of the town’s leisure centre and swimming pool to local residents.

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In just three days it has already been signed by more than 1,000 people.

“We want Powys County Council to find a financial way to adapt option 1 and keep all centres open in Powys. Both dry side and swimming pools,” said Mr Thomas, introducing the petition.

“Make them ready for the next decade and deliver more of their activities through them.

“Leisure centres are not just a place to swim and play sport they are a hub for communities including plays, concerts, luncheon clubs, back to health classes.

“These are so important for all communities and without them it will cost Powys more on health provisions.”

Respondents to the petition describe the centre as an “integral facility”, a “key component in the community”, while its potential closure would be a “terrible loss”.

One person even suggested closures of pools would lead to more drownings in local rivers.

A petition to keep Rhayader Leisure Centre open has already attracted nearly 1,000 signatures.A petition to keep Rhayader Leisure Centre open has already attracted nearly 1,000 signatures.

The four options put forward by PCC are:

Option 1

To keep all current centres open through an existing contract with Freedom Leisure.

Option 2

Close all centres from September 2027, apart from the facilities in Welshpool, Newtown, Llandrindod, Brecon and Ystradgynlais.

Option 3

All leisure provision in Powys becomes community or commercially led. This could include transferring existing facilities to community groups or the private sector.

Option 4

That leisure centres with swimming pools in Machynlleth, Welshpool, Newtown, Llanidloes, Knighton, Llandrindod, Brecon and Ystradgynlais remain open.

But swimming pools in Builth Wells, Presteigne (East Radnor), Rhayader and Llanfyllin would close by the end of December 2025.

Rhayader residents have rallied behind their leisure centre and swimming pool. Rhayader residents have rallied behind their leisure centre and swimming pool. (Image: Geograph.) Powys County Council said: “Whatever option is chosen, the council is also keen to hear from local communities on how their local leisure centre can be used so it provides what the local community want at an affordable price, and where change is necessary how can the community make the best of that change.”

The report and options will be reviewed by the council’s joint scrutiny committee on Thursday, November 14, before being considered by the cabinet on Tuesday, November 26.

Cabinet member for a Safer Powys, Councillor Richard Church, said: “Our services are well regarded and have been well supported in the past, but our review has shown that the existing facilities are not fit for purpose and cannot deliver our aspirations for a healthy and active county, without significant investment.

“The council has identified different options that could form the blueprint for the way services are managed in the future.

“We propose taking four options out for public consultation, setting out the costs and seeking the views of service users and communities on a preferred way forward.

“Leisure services are an important part of the council. We run more leisure centres than any other council in Wales and we must ensure that any future option is affordable, provides equitable access and supports a healthy and active population.”

You can sign the petition here.