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Last Updated: Tuesday, 17 July 2007, 11:24 GMT 12:24 UK
Petition to reopen leisure centre
The roof on the leisure centre after storm damage was caused
The roof will cost an estimated �200,000 to repair
A 2,000-name petition calling for a storm-damaged swimming pool in Torfaen to be reopened has gone to the Welsh Assembly Government.

Campaigners from Blaenavon want the swimming to return to the town's leisure centre.

But Torfaen Council says high running costs have led to plans to close the pool and open a school and health centre on the site instead.

The council is due to make a decision on Wednesday.

On Monday, several campaigners travelled to the Senedd in Cardiff Bay to hand in their petition.

Liberal Democrat AM Mike German said: "The petition is the voice of the community who want to save their swimming pool and leisure centre.

"Torfaen Council are to take a decision on Wednesday, and I think it's very important that they listen to the residents of Blaenavon before they decide on changes.

Proposal plans for the leisure centre site
The pink area would be the school with the yellow for the sports area

"I know there is strong support in the community for keeping the swimming pool open."

The petition is the latest in a series of events organised by campaigners, and last week hundreds of children from the town travelled to nearby Pontypool to attempt a mass swim.

A march has also been staged demanding the pool be reopened, with support from GPs in the town.

The Blaenavon centre was damaged by storms in January, and the council has said repairs would cost �200,000.

It is considering using the site for a new school and health centre.

The council said it cost �430,000 a year to keep the leisure centre and pool open.

A spokesman said the council had to ensure best use of public money and although the plans would mean the pool would close, sports facilities at the current site would be still be available and upgraded under the proposals.


SEE ALSO
Mass swim in leisure centre demo
09 Jul 07 |  South East Wales
GPs back leisure centre campaign
05 Jun 07 |  South East Wales
Demo for leisure centre to reopen
18 May 07 |  South East Wales

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