Fears YMCA leisure centres at Fleetwood and Poulton won't re-open after lockdown

Worried residents in Fleetwood have posted on social media that they have heard about plans to permanently close the town’s facility, which includes not only indoor sports amenities but a public swimming pool, and that there will be redundancies

The YMCA has not denied the claims but in a statement the organisation says it is at a ”proposal and consultation” stage with its partners and it has not confirmed any closures or redundancies.

The two centres and swimming pools, which like the other amenities in the borough is run by the YMCA on behalf of Wyre Council, are popular destinations for residents.

There are particular concerns in Fleetwood as parts of the town have a lower life expectancy than the UK average and mental health issues have been a long-standing concern.

Fleetwood’s MP Cat Smith is so concerned about the situation she is actively involved in a petition to try and ensure the centre does re-open.

There is also concern in Poulton, whose centre includes a swimming pool as well, but there have been claims on social media that the centres at Thornton and Garstang are likely to re-open.

Wyre Council says it is to release a statement on the issue at some point today.

Ms Smith, the Labour MP for Lancaster and Fleetwood, said: “I am alarmed at the possibility of Fleetwood YMCA closing, we have heard no guarantees that it will re-open after the Covid crisis and I’m not on my own in being horrified by the news.

“Within hours of me launching my online campaign to keep it open, almost 1,000 local people have used my website to email Wyre Council, pleading with them to put Fleetwood first.

“Fleetwood, the largest town in Wyre, has the greatest health needs in the area and the highest levels of poverty and deprivation. This is why our leisure centre should the first to be re-opened when it is safe to do so.

“Local health organisations have done an incredible job in trying to improve the health outcomes of our town - and the leisure centre is pivotal in their ambition to reduce life limiting conditions. It is essential that Fleetwood baths reopens as soon as lockdown restrictions allow.”

A spokesman for the YMCA said: “Like many UK businesses and charities who are planning for the future, we find ourselves in unprecedented times where the current pandemic is having a significant impact on our work and how we operate.

“We are constantly evaluating the situation as it develops to ensure the organisation remains viable for the future.

“We are therefore currently at a proposal and consultation stage with our partners and colleagues regarding how facilities will reopen post lockdown.

“Once a final decision has been taken we will advise all of our stakeholders of the outcome as soon as possible.”