Local campaigners have expressed anger and disappointment following Kirklees Council’s decision to close Dewsbury Sports Centre and its associated swimming pool permanently.

The announcement came after the Cabinet, none of whose members represent Dewsbury or nearby Batley, voted on November 5 to cease operations at the facility.

The move has triggered a wave of public dismay, with campaigners from the “Save Our Sports Centre” group vowing to challenge what they call a hasty and flawed decision.

The group plans to use a procedural mechanism, known as a “call-in,” to demand that the decision undergo further scrutiny by a dedicated committee before implementation.

Incomplete Reports

The campaigners’ key argument is that the council’s decision relied on an incomplete portrayal of a structural report conducted in September 2023.

The report reviewed the presence of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in the centre but, according to campaigners, did not recommend closing the facility.

Campaigners argue that sections of the centre could have continued operating safely with minimal repairs.

Community Concerns

The closure has ignited concerns across the community, with over 5,000 residents signing a petition to keep the centre open.

Many have stressed the vital role the sports centre plays in supporting the physical and mental health of Dewsbury residents, including children and those with disabilities.

Campaigners have issued several points of contention.

RAAC Structural Findings Misrepresented

Campaigners argue that while RAAC is present in parts of the building, it does not affect the “dryside” areas, meaning spaces outside the pool area could have remained open with modest repairs to the affected sections.

They point out that many public buildings across the UK containing RAAC continue to operate under similar circumstances.

Lack of Transparency

Campaigners claim that the council withheld the structural report from the group for months, who eventually obtained the report through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

The group states that requests for their own structural engineer to inspect the facility were denied by the council, precluding any opportunity for dialogue on potential repairs.

Discrepancies in Reported Needs

The September report, which council members referenced to justify the closure, reportedly did not advocate for an immediate or indefinite shutdown. Instead, the report outlined possible remedial actions.

Campaigners say the council bypassed the chance to assess the costs of these repairs and preemptively acted to close the centre, noting that the council had already removed funding for the centre’s operations from its budget in prior financial planning.

Obstructed Requests for Information

The campaign group claims that requests for data on the sports centre’s usage and financial status have not been fulfilled, despite FOI submissions.

They argue this lack of transparency raises further questions about the basis for the closure.

Community Health Concerns

The council faced criticism for assertions made by Councillor Beverley Addy, who claimed that the closure of Dewsbury Sports Centre would not impact community health.

Campaigners dispute this claim, pointing to numerous personal accounts from community members who shared how the centre’s facilities, particularly the pool and sports hall, had been vital for their health and well-being.

Limited Alternatives for Local Residents

The council suggests that other sports centres, including Spen Valley and Batley Sports and Tennis Centre, are viable alternatives.

However, campaigners argue these locations are either full or difficult to reach via public transport, adding that local private gyms lack similar amenities, such as a pool and sports hall, and are not affordable for all residents.

Wider Backlash

The decision has sparked a backlash from the Dewsbury community, which is now awaiting the outcome of the planned call-in. The “Save Our Sports Centre” has stated that the closure represents a disservice to Dewsbury’s residents and their quality of life.