I WISH to inform the public and thank my fellow councillors for signing the call in from cabinet in regard my motion for further discussion on Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre, and thank the many residents, and campaign groups who have contacted me to give me support.

The motion will now be debated at the appropriate meeting in January.

I am sure all elected members will carefully listen to the representations they have received from the public, and keep the leisure centre open.

Motion below: 

We the undersigned councillors request the above decision is called in under the relevant procedure as this does not sit with the Well Being Policy (Act 2015) healthier objectives for residents of the county borough, surely the Health and Well Being Scrutiny Committee should have been consulted, Children Commissioners should have been consulted, Young Persons Forum, and the relevant Regeneration Scrutiny Committee only discussed the matter less than 24 hours before the cabinet meeting where it was reported verbally only to Cabinet, and we do not feel it proper that such an important matter which affects many services users has been given proper discussion, and fail to see how this is effective consultation especially when the three local members and councillors in the affected ward, and in nearby wards opposed the closure, and also was the detailed alternative supplied by Blackwood Town Council colleagues discussed and debated in detail please and given proper consideration.”

Cllr Kevin Etheridge 
Independent Blackwood Ward