Financial matters and logistical issues need to be discussed further before any progress can be made on improving facilities at Tenby Leisure Centre or a new site even be considered, a local county councillor has stated.
County Councillor for the St Mary Out Liberty (New Hedges) ward, Cllr Rhys Jordan told members of the village’s Community Council at its most recent meeting that he and other County Councillors had recently met with Pembrokeshire County Council’s leisure service manager and Tenby Leisure Centre manager to discuss the options of improved facilities at the Centre located on Marsh Road.
“It’s agreed by all that the pool is in need of full refurbishment and the addition of an all weather pitch would be welcomed, but there are financial pressures and logistical issues that need to be further discussed,” said Cllr Jordan.
“We as members have put pressure on the Cabinet Member for Residents Services and Leisure to consider the possibility of a new site for Tenby Leisure Centre in order to future proof the service and minimise disruption during the build.
“It has been agreed that Leisure Service Officers and The Cabinet member will consult with all councillors on this on a regular basis. I am determined to get the best possible outcome for the community on this and will keep St Mary Out Liberty updated as this project progresses,”he continued.
Tenby’s Mayor and county councillor for the town’s south ward, Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall recently tabled a Notice of Motion to PCC’s cabinet stating: “That Pembrokeshire County Council establish a politically balanced working group to consider options for the siting of a new swimming pool in Tenby and to provide a steer on preferred options for progress.” - with the NoM to be discussed at a forthcoming cabinet meeting.
Her fellow member on Tenby Town Council, Cllr Dai Morgan also recently called for a drastic improvement to the town’s sports and leisure facilities, stating that he felt they were not good enough and that the possibility of an all-weather 4G pitch for use by all sports should be looked at for the locality.
Clr. Morgan said that he too also felt that the town’s leisure centre was not being used to its maximum potential, stating that participating in sport was ‘brilliant for mental health’ and by not having these facilities available it was detrimental, adding that the local authorities were not doing enough to provide facilities for participating.