Kids write letters to a councillor, fighting to keep Cefn Fforest leisure centre from closing due to budget cuts.
Shane Williams is the councillor. He represents Cefn Fforest and Pengam. He got the letters before a planned protest at the leisure centre.
The council faces a big budget problem and needs to save £45 million. Closing three leisure centers is one idea, and Cefn Fforest is one of them.
Councillor Williams spoke about the center, saying it is very important. Locals and others use it a lot. Last year, over 97,000 people visited it, and about 440 kids get swimming lessons there.
Pupils from Markham and Blackwood schools wrote about their disappointment at losing the pool.
Williams hopes decision-makers read the letters to understand the impact of the closure. He says they must protect the facility.
The council’s consultation ended March 12. Williams arranged a protest at the leisure centre and wants people to sign the petition and get involved.
Drop-in sessions took place at the three centers. New Tredegar had one March 4, Cefn Fforest’s was March 5, and Bedwas had a session March 7. An online session was March 10.