Concerns for staff as Cefn Fforest centre cuts opening hours

On May 14, Caerphilly County Borough Council reversed plans to close the centre, instead agreeing to new limited opening times - 4pm to 8pm on weekdays and four hours each at weekends.

While this decision spared the centre from closure, many locals and regular users are worried about what it means for the staff who work there.

One resident, John Howell, shared his recent experience, saying: "Went there 2 weeks ago the staff didn’t know if they were coming or going. Felt a bit sorry for them - I had to ring first to see if they were open as I was told it had already closed."

Many community members echoed this sentiment online, with Natalie Cox commenting: "Cancelled my £35 a month gym membership.

"Hope they are looking after the staff."

The uncertainty has left users and employees feeling unsettled.

Cefn Fforest and Pengam ward councillor, Shane Williams, said on May 21 that the decision was more of a setback than a victory.

Cllr Williams said: "When the solution takes away so many people who use it, it’s sort of a Pyrrhic victory rather than something to celebrate."

He also pointed out that since the council meeting, "not one person has contacted me to say this is a relief," adding that people felt "devastated" and "distraught."

The changes to the centre’s hours mean daytime sessions, which were popular among many groups, are now no longer available.

This is especially worrying for local organisations like the Sparrows group, which runs swimming sessions for children with additional needs.

Representing Sparrows, Katie Collins said the group felt "left in the lurch" by the uncertainty.

Locals fear the reduced hours could lead to falling visitor numbers and, eventually, closure.

Calwyn Davies commented: "Reducing hours to make it harder for people to attend, then to close it as not making money."

As the centre’s future continues to hang in the balance, some in the community remain deeply worried about the staff and the impact reduced hours will have on everyone who relies on the facility.

A CCBC spokesman said: “The council is currently working through the details of the forthcoming changes to the opening times and we will be working closely with the staff at Cefn Fforest and New Tredegar Leisure Centres to offer appropriate support and advice.”