Title:
Save Atherstone’s Leisure Access – Provide a Temporary Gym and Swimming Facility During the 2 year Redevelopment

Petition Text:

We are calling on the local council and leisure providers to urgently reconsider their decision not to provide a temporary (pop-up) gym and swimming facility during the redevelopment of Atherstone’s leisure centre.  The Council are closing the Atherstone Leisure Centre on 12th April for 2 years.

The planned closure of the current facility for up to two years will leave Atherstone and surrounding villages — including Sheepy Magna, Witherley, Grendon, and others — without essential access to a gym and swimming pool.  Many walk locally and do not drive in Atherstone to the service.

This is not just about fitness. For many people, this facility is a lifeline.  We would ask the current facility is NOT CLOSED until a suitable temporary LOCAL alternative is provided.

It supports:

• Mental health and wellbeing
• Routine and structure
• Social connection and community
• Children’s swimming lessons and water safety
• Access to exercise in a rural area with limited local alternatives 

We were previously informed that a temporary gym and swimming provision would be explored. However, residents have now been told (literally with one months notice) that no suitable replacement will be provided due to financial constraints.   To relocate a swimming pool may be a challenging task, but to relocate a gym should be quite simple.  Options for both a swimming pool and gym have been presented to the Councilors, however, due to financial constraints - it has been rejected.  This should have been costed as part of the project.

In a small town like Atherstone, where access to alternative facilities is limited, expensive, or already at full capacity, this decision disproportionately affects local residents — including children, older adults, and those who rely on the centre as part of their mental health and wellbeing routine.

100's of people use this facility regularly. It is more than a gym — it is a vital community hub.

We are asking for:

• A temporary (pop-up) gym facility within Atherstone area
• Temporary swimming provision or partnerships to ensure continued access to lessons
• A clear, transparent plan to support the community during the closure period, This is about putting people before cost.
• NOT to CLOSE the current facility until a suitable temporary LOCAL alternative is opened.

We urge decision-makers to reconsider and work with the community to find a practical, interim solution that protects health, wellbeing, and access for all.