5,000 people sign petition calling for Dewsbury Sports Centre reopening
The once-popular leisure centre closed its doors last September
Over 5,000 people have taken a stand on the future of Dewsbury Sports Centre, with it now over one year since its shock closure.
The once-popular leisure centre that has been described as the “beating heart” of the Dewsbury community first closed its doors last September when Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) was found.
Following this, the centre was then earmarked for permanent closure along with Colne Valley Leisure Centre and Batley Sports and Tennis Centre, though these two sites have since been given a reprieve.
Campaigners have not ceased in their efforts to see at least part of the sports centre reopen, with local group ‘Save Dewsbury Sports Centre’ speaking last month of the effects the closure has had on the town and its residents.
Yesterday’s (October 16) Full Council meeting saw a petition handed in by Councillor Tanisha Bramwell (KCI, Dewsbury West) calling for action to be taken by the council to secure the future of the leisure centre. This had racked up over 5,000 signatures and urged the council to:
- Reopen the dry-side of Dewsbury Sports Centre while prioritising a comprehensive strategic plan for the future of the wet-side
- Require the attendance of a senior officer at an overview and scrutiny meeting
- Hold a full council debate on this issue
Councillor Bramwell said: “The closure of this centre has had a serious negative impact on our community and residents, physically and mentally. It has impacted grassroots organisations, disadvantaged young people, schools, the elderly and many other residents.
“The consultation initially conducted by Kirklees Council, along with today’s presentation of over 5,000 signatures clearly demonstrates the public’s outrage and concern regarding this decision. Re-opening Dewsbury Sports Centre is in the best interest of our residents and it is crucial for the council to engage with the community on this matter.”
At the meeting, Mayor of Kirklees, Cllr Nosheen Dad (Labour, Dewsbury South), informed Cllr Bramwell that petitions should be handed in with no speech or presentation. She said she had allowed it in this instance as Cllr Bramwell had already begun speaking but did not want to “set a precedent” for the future.
Since the meeting, Cllr Bramwell said herself and other members of the chamber were left ‘confused’ by the Mayor’s response, as no issue had been raised when a petition from another councillor had been presented at last month’s meeting.
Councillor Bramwell says she has written to the Mayor and Chief Executive with her thoughts on the matter and feels it is important to speak before handing in petitions to “prioritise transparency” and help educate those watching at home.