SPEN Valley Leisure Centre could be at risk of closure, it has been revealed.

Kirklees Council has been blasted by residents who called the decision to put all 12 of the area’s leisure centres at risk of closure ‘shocking’.

Kirklees Active Leisure (KAL) will be temporarily closing some of its facilities due to financial difficulties. KAL has said it’s too early to say which of the 12 centres it manages will be affected, with more information to be revealed in the next few weeks.

Soaring energy prices during the current economic crisis were blamed for KAL’s money troubles, particularly when it comes to the heating of swimming pools.

Members of the public have taken to Facebook to share their thoughts on the threat to their local leisure centres.

Wendy McDaid, who runs her own swimming school, sympathised with the difficulties that come with running a pool. She said: “I have my own private pool where I run swimming lessons from, it’s heated to 32 – the requirements for pre-school and babies. Mine’s only seven metres by three metres…the energy has doubled so god knows how the full size pools can survive.”

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Another commenter, Jackie Knapton raised a question about the continuation of services. She said: “So I’m guessing us with an annual membership who only use for swimming and swim classes will be entitled to a refund if this happens?”

Christine Landon was shocked by the lack of public consultation. She said: “It’s a scandal…everybody’s quality of life…squashed without any discussion, any ideas of trying to save it from open discussion with people and alternatives. Shocking.

Naheem Latif brought up sustainable methods of energy generation saying: “You would that thought these new multi million pound buildings would have solar panels.”

Arran Crabtree also commented on the topic of sustainability and said: “Let’s have a look at these old heating systems and see how we make them more efficient.”

The Council came under fire from others with regards to where funds are prioritised.

Helen Maginess said, “Ah but don’t forget there spending a fortune to put grass on Hudds bus station roof. Council run by muppets.”

Another commenter, Tanveer Ahmed Chattah said of the council’s economic situation: “Incompetent 34 million overspend on what and where and the 5% rise in council tax is coming again any words from the leader.”

Plans are expected to be finalised over the next couple of weeks with discussions set to be carried out with staff regarding how their work may be affected. Providing sessions at alternative locations is also being explored.

A spokesperson for KAL previously said: “The global crisis in energy prices has had a major impact on our financial position.

"This follows a very challenging few years with Covid and the negative impact that had on our revenue. KAL has already taken action to reduce costs but it’s clear we need to do more to improve our financial position going forward.

 “Heating swimming pools, in particular, is currently very expensive and KAL needs to consider how we can reduce energy usage. This, unfortunately, will mean temporary closures at some of our facilities. We are still finalising our plans and will be talking with our brilliant staff about how their work might be affected. We are also looking at how we can accommodate sessions at different locations while keeping a maximum possible range of services available to residents in every part of Kirklees.

“We aim to finalise our plans in the next couple of weeks and will let our customers know how they might be affected and their options for alternative provision. Despite this temporary position, wherever you live in Kirklees, KAL continues to offer high quality and low-cost services that support the health & wellbeing of local people.”