Deadline approaching!!
Hi all, hopefully you have enjoyed your extra hour in bed this morning!
A little update as to where we are.
Next Tuesday the consultation period will end!
We have (Many thanks to the green party) managed to distribute 4000 leaflets in the local area to make people aware of the potential closure and requirement for everyone to fill out the consultation.
We have over 2100 signatures on our petition.
We have support of several councillors across the city supporting our cause as this may be only the start of what may happen to the other older ill maintained centres
We have made a Freedom of information request to clarify how the council have calculated the use and low footfall into the centre as this has been questioned due to no turnstiles and freedom to walk in and out of the centre without always having to register.
Please fill out the consultation document at the link below.
Suggestions of things that you may wish to put in the consultation are shown below. Please modify these points that may be relevant to include your own story—e.g., how long you have used the centre, how you get there (walking vs. driving), or how it impacts your family. If you have done the questionairre and then decide some of the points below are relevant go online again and make your point.
1. The council argues that users can simply displace to Braunstone or Leicester Leys. These points highlight why that is unrealistic for many local residents.
2. Financial Impact of Travel: "Expecting residents to travel to Braunstone or Leicester Leys ignores the financial reality of the New Parks community. Adding bus fares or driving costs to an active lifestyle acts as a direct penalty on lower-income families and completely contradicts the council's anti-poverty strategies."
3. Time and Logistics for Families: "Shifting swimming lessons and activities to alternative centres adds significant travel time to already busy schedules. For parents managing multiple children or those relying on public transport, a quick trip to the local pool becomes a multi-hour ordeal, which will inevitably force families to drop out of sport entirely."
4. Reduced Independence for Youth and Seniors: "New Parks Leisure Centre allows local children, teenagers, and the elderly to walk to a safe space independently. Forcing them to travel out of the area cuts off their access, reduces their physical autonomy, and isolates vulnerable groups."
5. The council points out low visitor numbers. These points argue that usage is a reflection of underinvestment, not lack of local interest.
Underinvestment Cycle: "Low usage is a direct result of historical underinvestment, not a lack of interest from the community. If you allow a facility to become dated and suffer from maintenance issues, attendance will decline. Investing in modernization, as the council has successfully done elsewhere, is what drives up visitor numbers."
6. Modernisation Opportunities: "Instead of spending capital to close the centre and build houses, the council should invest in green technologies like solar panels to slash long-term running costs. A refreshed gym, better community meeting spaces, or an updated reception area would instantly attract new memberships and reverse the financial deficit."
7. The Loss of Unique Facilities: "New Parks houses the city council's only competition-standard squash courts. Closing this facility doesn't just impact casual users; it permanently dismantles a vital sports pathway and niche athletic hub that cannot be adequately replicated at alternative locations."
8. Long-Term Healthcare Costs: "Closing a leisure centre in an area that directly benefits from accessible health and fitness initiatives is short-sighted. The long-term cost to the NHS and local social care services from rising obesity, poor mental health, and physical inactivity will vastly outweigh the immediate savings from closing this hub."
9. Community Lifeline: "This centre has been a cornerstone of life in New Parks for over half a century. It provides a safe, constructive environment for young people to stay active and out of trouble. Removing it takes away one of the few positive, healthy spaces left in the immediate neighbourhood."