There are some proposed changes to the sports hall at New Mills Leisure Centre that we want to bring to your attention. High Peak Borough Council intends to turn a significant part of the hall into a gym and exercise studio. This will mean large changes to the wide range of available activities in the hall and many will have to cease altogether. These include:

• School sports. Over 800 primary school children take part in over 30 events annually; New Mills secondary school has no sports hall of its own and uses this for PE throughout the year.
• Roller-skating, fortnightly sessions, mostly (but not only!) for children
• Pickleball
• Badminton
• Cheerleading
• Basketball
• Tennis, especially walking tennis
• Walking netball
• Table tennis
• Football
• Group exercise classes
• Indoor cricket 

Removing part of this vital facility contradicts the council's Move More strategy and worsens inactivity in the area. It will have an enormously negative effect on children’s sport in New Mills. This venue brings together people of all ages, genders and abilities to enjoy a wide variety of activities.

There has been no publicly available information and no meaningful public consultation on these plans. From what we do know, the plans appear to have been built on dubious analysis without full consideration of alternative options.

We are urging the council to reconsider their plans, and request a public consultation to ensure our voices are heard.