By KLTV Newsdesk –

Concerns have been raised by members of the Dewsbury Sports Centre Committee over the planned demolition of the Dewsbury Sports Centre (DSC).

Campaigners are urging Kirklees Council to reconsider the decision and honour previous commitments regarding the facility’s future.

In a press release, the committee has outlined a number of instances where they claim the council’s ‘words have not matched their actions’ and say that they are failing the people of Dewsbury.

Disputed Closure and Lack of Alternative Provision

The committee claims that in March 2024, a meeting between local campaigners, the then-leader of the council, and a senior officer resulted in assurances that an independent engineer could inspect the sports centre’s wet side to verify the findings of a council-commissioned survey.

Their independent report found no Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in the dry side of the facility and only limited RAAC in parts of the poolside, recommending remedial work rather than closure.

However, the committee claims that access to the site for independent inspection was later blocked by the council.

The committee says that local schools have also reported difficulties in ensuring pupils can access swimming lessons as required by the National Curriculum.

They claim that while alternative facilities at Spen Valley Leisure Centre and Batley Sports and Tennis Centre have been offered by the council, some schools have found the travel time unfeasible.

One Dewsbury school stated that pupils had to miss part of their lunchtime and the entire afternoon in transit, leading them to opt for a temporary pop-up pool instead.

Additionally, campaigners claim that no alternative provision for exercise and health activities has been established in Dewsbury, despite assurances given at a council meeting on 5 November 2023.

Financial Concerns and Local Impact

The Committee has also raised questions regarding the financial management of the demolition process.

They claim that Kirklees Council has allocated £3.5 million for the demolition of DSC’s wet side but reportedly did not seek three separate quotes for the work, as required by its own “Best Value” protocol.

There is also concern over the lack of detailed cost estimates for potential modifications to the dry side of the centre, which has not been identified as having structural issues.

Campaigners argue that the closure of DSC has had a detrimental impact on Dewsbury’s economy, reducing footfall in the town.

The former manager of a now-closed store in the area claimed that business suffered significantly following the sports centre’s closure due to the loss of passing trade.

Wider Financial Context

The Committee has pointed to other financial decisions made by Kirklees Council, highlighting that while DSC’s refurbishment has been deemed unaffordable, the council has written off £33.5 million in debts, including:

• £10 million in unspecified “bad debts”
• £13.6 million for Kirklees College
• £3.9 million for Kingsgate Shopping Centre in Huddersfield
• £12.2 million for 103 New Street in Huddersfield
• £3.8 million for Kirklees Stadium Development Ltd in Huddersfield

Campaigners argue that these financial decisions demonstrate an imbalance in investment between Dewsbury and other areas within the borough.

Ongoing Calls for Action

Local residents continue to call for the council to halt the demolition and reconsider plans for DSC’s future.

They urge Kirklees Council to engage with the community, explore alternative funding options, and ensure that leisure and health facilities remain accessible to the people of Dewsbury.