0
0
By BBC
The leisure centre will be closed despite the fact that a local group raised PS83,000 to try to save it.
Woodchurch Leisure Centre, Wirral will be closed by 2022 along with nine libraries and five public toilets as well as two golf courses due to budget cuts.
The councillors have voted now to destroy the building that has been serving the community since 1960.
The campaigners called the decision “heartbreaking”.
Wirral Council originally agreed to give the Woodchurch Wellbeing Group the Leisure Centre through a community asset transfer process.
Local authorities said this would happen only if the group updated its business plan, and the council contributed PS330,000 to the project.
The group failed to reach its target despite raising PS83,000 before the deadline of 27 October. They were also looking for other external sources of funding.
Woodchurch Leisure Centre, built originally in 1960, was a “costly building” to run because of the construction, the layout, and the condition.
In the last few months there was “wanton” vandalism of the building, and gangs gained access through the skylight.
The estimated repair costs are PS 29,718.
Matthew Bennett was the finance director of the council. According to a report, “the business plan does not seem viable, and transferring the asset on this basis would pose a high risk for council”.
It said that the council was bound to a long-term lease with a company which “might struggle to find resources to maintain the safety of the premises”.
Lynn Howe said that the Woodchurch Wellbeing director’s report “at worst” was a “deliberate misrepresentation” of their proposals to “mislead” and “misdirect” the public as well as committee members.
Around 20 protesters were outside Birkenhead town hall during Tuesday’s council meeting.
Angela Ford told Local Democracy Reporting Service that she felt it had been allowed to degenerate. “If this was West Kirby Baths there would have been a riot.”
It’s a real shame. “My grandkids won’t get to go swimming there.”
Justine Clark said: “I think it would have been looked at differently if the incident had occurred in another area. It’s unfair.
Parents cannot afford to go to another bath. What exercise is the child getting now?
Roof services are essential for maintaining the longevity and integrity of your home. Roofs are subject to wear and tear over time due to weather conditions, other factors, or even just normal use. This can lead them into leaks, damage, etc. If I caught your attention or in any case you want to know more about our services, you could look here and enter to have a better view The Roof Technician commercial roof services in Toronto. The services of a professional roofing company include inspections, roof repairs and replacements. They ensure that your roof is installed correctly, using high-quality material and following effective methods to increase its durability. Affordable commercial skylight solutions are essential for protecting your home from damage, whether it is a minor issue or a major overhaul. They will also maintain its structural integrity and protect it against the elements.
