Campaign launched to save Ashfield leisure centre from closure

Ashfield District Council’s cabinet have decided to withdraw its contract which would lead to the closure of Edgewood Leisure Centre in Hucknall.

Ashfield Labour Party councillors, opposing the closure, are looking for at least 1,500 signatures to renew its operational contract.

Councillor Lauren Mitchell said: “We campaigned to keep Edgewood Leisure Centre open back in 2014 and feel as strongly about it now as we did then.

“The Ashfield Independent councillors who voted this idea through know full well that withdrawing the council’s contract will lead to the closure of the leisure centre.

“Our aim is to get the council to completely scrap the proposal to close Edgewood Leisure Centre down – it is just not fair on residents, particularly at a time where they are being asked to pay more council tax for less services.”

Coun Keir Morrison added: “The Ashfield Independents’ decision to withdraw the contract and expect Edgewood Primary school to take on Edgewood Leisure Centre is grossly unfair.

“Kirkby is getting a brand-new leisure centre whilst Edgewood looks likely to close.

“No improvement to Hucknall leisure centre will compensate for the loss of Edgewood. Many Hucknall children have learnt to swim at Edgewood for years and is still a vital facility.”

The petition can be found here.

A public demo on will be held on Sunday, March 1 outside the main entrance of Edgewood Leisure Centre.

Theresa Hodgkinson, director for place and communities at Ashfield District Council, said: “Ashfield District Council has issued notice to Nottinghamshire County Council regarding the future of Edgewood Leisure Centre. The council has informed Nottinghamshire County Council that they will not have an operator to run the centre from April 1, 2021.

“The council has informed Everyone Active and we will work together closely over the coming months to ensure the smooth transition of services to Hucknall Leisure Centre.

“The council is committed to providing high quality leisure facilities across the district. Hucknall Leisure Centre is currently undergoing £1.3 million investment that will see state-of-the-art changing rooms and improvements to the fitness suite.”