Petition launched to save vital community leisure hub

Leeds City Council is considering new arrangements for Middleton Leisure Centre.

- by Charles Gray

A "vital" Leeds leisure centre that has been a lifeline to so many is at risk of being sold.

Residents have shared their dismay at the potential loss of Middleton Leisure Centre, which they say would "have a significant and negative impact on the health, wellbeing, and social connections within our community".

Cash-strapped Leeds City Council has said it is in talks with Cockburn Multi-Academy Trust about "new arrangements" that could see the centre leased for use by Laurence Calvert Academy. The council has said plans are in place "to ensure that the gym would remain under council ownership and available for public use".

The centre includes a gym, squash courts, swimming pool and a full-size 3G football pitch.

Mother-of-one Lydia Maisie said she has been frequently swimming at the centre since she moved to Leeds nearly two years ago and that losing it would be "devastating".