Plas Madoc and Waterworld leisure centres could close
Wrexham's two main leisure centres could face demolition after councillors voted to consider replacing them with a £12m complex near the town centre.
The council's Scrutiny Committee recommended closure after a report said maintaining them would cost £2m. Councillors recommended funding options for replacement facilities should be examined for Waterworld and Plas Madoc. The proposals will have to go before the council's executive board for approval early in the new year. Consultants say building a replacement for the town's distinctive Waterworld swimming baths would cost £11.9m. Proposals, backed by councillors on Wednesday, also include shutting some council-run gyms and handing over responsibility for leisure services to a new trust. The vote comes as the authority looks to make cuts to balance its books. Last month, the board agreed to consult on its 2014-15 draft budget which, at that stage, included savings of £9.9m. Plas Madoc Leisure Centre is on one of Wrexham's most deprived estates. It has a pool, two squash courts, four badminton courts, an outdoor multi-use games area, indoor climbing wall and trampolines as well as a fitness suite, sauna area and cafeteria.