A COUNTY councillor has suggested Powys leisure centres should be re-classed as ‘wellbeing hubs’, in a bid to save them from closure.

Angela Davies, who represents Rhayader, spoke passionately about the threat hanging over leisure centres and swimming pools in Powys, when she was invited to speak at the Welsh Liberal Democrat party’s autumn conference, held in Llandrindod Wells last weekend.

Councillor Davies admitted she felt out of her comfort zone at the conference, where she gave a speech supporting Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe MP David Chadwick’s motion to call on the Welsh Government to protect Welsh leisure centres and invest in public health.

However, her speech was well received and the motion was passed.

“In rural areas leisure centres are about so more than fitness, they are our community hubs,” said Cllr Davies.

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“In my ward, Rhayader, it is where the luncheon club, leg club and hearing aid club meet, all run by volunteers and offering an essential service for the elderly and vulnerable members of our community, as we don’t have a hospital or health centre.

“Among other things the centre also hosts meetings, discos, the end of year school show, our charity Christmas fair and it also is the venue for our annual community pantomime.

“So the question should not be if we can afford to keep leisure centres open – but in fact ‘can we afford to allow them to close?’.”

Earlier this month, Powys County Council (PCC) put forward four proposals for the future of leisure facilities in the county.

These mainly centre on keeping leisure centres and swimming pools open in Powys' largest towns – Newtown, Welshpool, Brecon, Llandrindod Wells and Ystradgynlais – but closing centres and dry facilities in smaller towns or transferring them into the care of their local communities.

Angela Davies, who represents Rhayader, has spoken passionately about the threat hanging over leisure centres and swimming pools in Powys.Angela Davies, who represents Rhayader, has spoken passionately about the threat hanging over leisure centres and swimming pools in Powys. (Image: Welsh Liberal Democrats) Her speech was delivered at the conference, which was held at the Metropole Hotel from November 15-17.

“Obviously, I understand the challenging financial position for local authorities, but I do not believe that cutting community leisure facilities is the way to balance the books,” said Cllr Davies.

“Part of the problem for leisure centres is the name. Leisure implies fun, a hobby, frivolous activity, something to do with our spare time and money; indeed the leisure industry includes pubs, night clubs, casinos, betting shops, amusement arcades and theme parks.

“We know that swimming pools are very expensive to run but the leisure classification meant that centres missed out on the previous government’s high energy industry support scheme (introduced to counter the energy cost hike following the outbreak of war in Ukraine).

“Yet, under this scheme, the British taxpayer did support the production of sugar, fat, oils and munitions… yes, really.”

She added: “I suggest that leisure centres should be classed as ‘wellbeing hubs’ – they offer services that help keep our residents fit and well and out of the social care system.

“They offer classes that can help reduce reliance on expensive prescription drugs.

“At a time when, across Europe, the UK has the highest rates of type 2 diabetes and the highest rates of under 5s with obesity, prescriptions for depression drugs have doubled in the last 10 years and increasing numbers of our workforce are absent, suffering with stress.

“Leisure centres, or rather wellbeing hubs, offer a cheaper, healthier alternative to help people, help themselves in managing their mental and physical health. 

“They offer companionship, alleviate loneliness and build a sense of belonging. 

Freedom Leisure currently runs all of Powys' leisure centres and swimming pools.Freedom Leisure currently runs all of Powys' leisure centres and swimming pools. (Image: Freedom Leisure) “Learning to swim is an essential skill, literally saving lives. Many of the over 60s swimmers – a scheme supported by the Welsh Government – are actually over 80. They would not be able to run, walk or cycle the equivalent.

“And while exercising outdoors is good for us the high rainfall and long dark winters here are a barrier for many. 

“Leisure centres are also an essential wet weather facility, both for local residents and visitors supporting Wales’ essential tourism industry.”

Following PCC proposals, an online petition was launched to keep Rhayader, as well as all leisure centres in Powys open. It has amassed over 1,500 signatures in a little over a week. Sign it here.