Campaigners say the north of Torfaen needs a leisure centre

People living in Blaenavon, Torfaen are unhappy after it was revealed the local council was considering closing the facility permanently after storm damage costing �200,000.

The centre's roof was affected but locals are unhappy it may not reopen after being shut for safety reasons.

Torfaen Council said it was debating what should happen with the centre.

In a statement, the council said: "The issue of Blaenavon leisure recreation centre and pool is of enormous importance to a great many of our staff and residents as well as all Torfaen Council members.

"The storm damage at the centre has brought forward a debate that the council would have had anyway.

The storm damage has precipitated a long overdue debate on council service priorities Torfaen Council

"Torfaen is not a rich authority and unfortunately we do not have enough money to provide every service for every person, we have to prioritise effectively."

In a presentation to its members recently, the council said the town needed a new school and modernised health care provision.

It said the usage of the leisure centre in the town was lower than in other areas and more expensive with a significant backlog in its programme of maintenance.

A spokesman said: "The storm damage has precipitated a long overdue debate on council service priorities.

"On balance we believe there is a strong case for immediate closure."

The members were told it would cost �200,000 to reopen the whole centre and �80,000 to open the pool area only.

But people living in the town say they are angry that officials are considering using the site for other facilities such as a new school or health care centre.

Organisers of the protest claimed around 500 people attended.

Jackie Huybs from an action group formed by people in the town said there was frustration that there had to be a compromise at what facilities the town could have.

It would be absolutely desperate if they decided to go ahead and close it. It would be the final nail in the coffin for Blaenavon Jackie Huybs

"We are desperate for a new school but at the same time we need a leisure centre for our young people too," she said.

The former coal and iron town of Blaenavon was made a World Heritage Site in 2000 in recognition of the role it played in the industrial revolution and has seen regeneration work carried out in recent years.

"We need the leisure centre. I know a lot has been done in the town centre in recent years which has been great for tourism but the people who live in the town need more than just things for tourists," she said.

"We need facilities. And there is a lot of support for the leisure centre.

"It would be absolutely desperate if they decided to go ahead and close it. It would be the final nail in the coffin for Blaenavon," she added.