"Leisure Facility's Value Cannot Be Measured in Statistics"

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 26th Jun 2007

"Blaenavon Leisure Centre is far more than just a leisure facility that can be measured in statistics", says a leading Assembly Member supporting the campaign to save the town's swimming pool and leisure centre.

Michael German, local Assembly Member and leader of the Liberal Democrats in the National Assembly, added his voice today to support the campaign in appeals for the Council to think again.

Mr. German has received various letters and e-mails on this issue and has met with representatives of local action groups. Local people, including an ex-manager of the Leisure Centre and local doctors all recognise that the leisure centre and pool's importance cannot be measured in statistics alone.

Speaking in support of BLAST (Blaenavon Leisure and Swimming Troubleshooters), Mr. German said, "In the Assembly, we have spoken about the need for increased physical activity to promote people's fitness and health. It makes no sense for a leisure centre to be closed just when everyone has become so aware of the cost of inactivity to people's health."

He added, "I support the calls for Torfaen Council to immediately arrange for the necessary repairs to be carried out and to re-open the centre. It will still be possible to discuss the issues of a new school. The best place for new health centre would be with fitness and swimming facilities all under one roof."

Referring to Torfaen Borough Council's own figures, he said "In 2005-2006 over 100,000 people used the Leisure Centre. If the centre remains closed, how many people will travel to other facilities?"

"Added to this, nearly one third of people in the town do not own a car. Does Torfaen council realise residents will lose out in terms of fitness and well-being?"

"To quote four local doctors 'There will obviously be costs involved in getting these facilities back on stream but these pale into insignificance compared to the long term costs to the community in terms of ill health."