More than 1,600 sign petition to save leisure centre

More than 1,600 people have signed a petition opposing plans to close a leisure centre in Leicester.

The petition, launched in response to proposals to shut New Parks Leisure Centre, has attracted growing support from residents and users of the facility.

Leicester City Council is consulting on plans that could see the centre in St Oswald's Road close, while facilities at Leicester Leys Leisure Centre in Beaumont Leys are expanded.

The council said the proposals were being considered because New Parks is its least-used leisure centre and has a higher cost per visitor than its other facilities.

Set up by Wayne Carlisle and created on 23 September, the petition is titled "Save New Parks pool, gym and squash courts", and describes the centre as "a cornerstone of community life".

Petition organisers said the potential closure would "leave a significant void in our community".

It also argues that residents would have to travel further to access leisure facilities and would lose the benefits of exercising locally.

Carlisle has asked people to "make your voice heard and support the continuation of our cherished leisure facility".

The council said: "Our research has shown that there is a significant overlap in customer catchment with Braunstone and Leicester Leys Leisure Centres.

"Braunstone is used by customers more often and can accommodate displaced users, therefore maintaining New Parks is no longer considered financially viable."

The authority previously said the centre required significant investment to address maintenance issues.

Assistant city mayor Vi Dempster said no decisions had yet been made and urged local people to have their say through the consultation.

She said: "We want to hear people's thoughts on the possible closure of New Parks Leisure Centre and the challenges the site faces.

"No decisions have been made, and I encourage everyone with an interest to take part in the consultation and share their views.

"It's important to highlight that if a decision was taken to close New Parks Leisure Centre, alternative services and programmes will be available locally in New Parks.

"Fitness and group-based exercise programmes will be developed utilising local venues in New Parks. The only activities that will not be provided will be squash and swimming."

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