Stuart Anderson MP is delighted that the future of Much Wenlock Leisure Centre has been secured. A ten-year agreement with Halo Leisure will start on 1st April 2026.
Stuart Anderson MP said:
"My family and I enjoy using the facilities at Much Wenlock Leisure Centre. So, I am delighted that it has been secured for future generations, after Shropshire Council axed its subsidy as part of leisure savings it had identified following a reduction in central government funding. I encouraged as many residents as possible to respond to the consultation to secure the best possible outcome for the local community. This agreement with Halo Leisure is a fantastic achievement for local residents who greatly value these facilities. I am grateful to everyone who has supported this initiative, including William Brookes School's Headteacher Ruth Shaw and Much Wenlock Mayor Cllr Dan Thomas."
Much Wenlock Mayor Cllr Dan Thomas added:
"As Much Wenlock's Shropshire Councillor, it was a pleasure to work with the 3-18 Trust and officers from Shropshire Council to secure confirmation of funds required to refurbish the facility for public use. I have seen first-hand the dedication required to reach this point by the management of the Trust, who have the wider community's interest at heart. I want to pay particular tribute to Ruth Shaw’s leadership as Head of the School; the impact of the school's improvements has been felt by the wider community. For the people of Much Wenlock, this isn't just about a building, it's about health, wellbeing, and maintaining the unique Olympic legacy of our town."
Stuart has welcomed the new partnership as a key part of his campaign to enhance public services and support local communities in South Shropshire.
As part of this, Stuart is dedicated to securing the funding and support needed to enhance public services and help local communities thrive in the years ahead.
In January last year, Stuart urged residents to respond to a consultation on the leisure centre's future after Shropshire Council proposed to end its operations on the site.
Since 2010, the Council had used the facilities at William Brookes School to operate and manage a leisure centre for local residents.
The Council subsequently withdrew its subsidy for community use as part of "leisure savings identified in the council's midterm financial strategy."
Stuart encouraged as many residents as possible to have their say to ensure the best possible outcome for the community.
Stuart added that the consultation reflected the "new government's failure to adequately increase funding for rural councils."
It came as the Government replaced the Rural Services Delivery Grant with a Recovery Fund that is heavily weighted towards more urban areas.
The County Councils Network (CCN) has found that only three percent of the grant will go to rural areas like Shropshire.
The agreement with Halo Leisure will secure the leisure centre's future and strengthen ties between local schools and the community.
It covers both Much Wenlock and Bridgnorth Endowed Leisure Centre, ensuring continued access to vital facilities for residents across South Shropshire.
Last year, Stuart also urged the government to restore the Swimming Pool Support Fund which the previous Conservative government created to support operating costs and improve the energy efficiency of facilities.
It invested £80 million into 442 swimming pools in 367 local authority areas and followed the £100 million National Leisure Centre Recovery Fund.
The Fund secured the survival and reopening of more than 1,100 swimming pools since 2019 - with over 100 new facilities also being opened.
Stuart has been campaigning to unlock almost £400 million in sports funding that the government had promised more than six months ago.
On 27th January, it was announced that Highley Miners Welfare Football Club at the Severn Centre has been awarded £2,520.00 in funding through the Multi-Sports Grassroots Facilities Programme.
The Government has also announced that applications are now open for £68.35 million investment in grassroots sports facilities through the Football Foundation in England.
Stuart has said the government must recognise the importance of the physical activity sector, which contributes nearly £16 billion in healthcare savings.
This includes £1.4 billion in reduced GP visits and mental health services and £6.7 billion in preventing 3.34 million disease cases and chronic health issues.
However, Stuart has warned that the nation’s gyms, swimming pools, and leisure centres are facing increases of up to 60% in business rates payments.
Last year’s increases in employer’s National Insurance Contributions (NICs) have already seen many operators reduce staffing and increase customer prices.
