The future of Frodsham Leisure Centre was discussed by residents and Council officials today, during a public information session on Brio Leisure's 'Future Offer' for the borough.

During the meeting, local people raised various different concerns about proposed plans to close the Frodsham facility.

If Brio ceases to operate Frodsham Leisure Centre, which plays host to a gym, badminton and squash courts, indoor and outdoor football, netball and basketball, the town's residents may have to travel miles from the town to be able to access sports provision.

"I don't know how closing [the Centre] fits in with what you're saying about a happier and healthier borough, because there are a lot of people that go there who will not want to go to Helsby, Ellesmere Port or anywhere else," one resident said.

Another added: "I really feel that a town the size of Frodsham should have a leisure centre.

"It's not appropriate to say to people that they can either go to somewhere in a different authority – Halton – or that they'd have to drive to Chester or Northwich to go to the nearest facility."

She also questioned whether the loss of the Leisure Centre would also lead to the closure of the town library, which she described as "essential for people who don't have WiFi at home and who want to make connection with others.

"It also supports the older community, insomuch as it is somewhere warm and safe for them to come."

She went on to say that Frodsham and District History Society had been hoping to relocate some of their items to the library, in a bid to promote research into local and family history in the town. If the building were to close, this would no longer be possible.

Is the Leisure Centre 'fit for purpose'?

What's next for Frodsham Leisure Centre?

Peter Sykes, who has submitted a planning application to convert the Old Police Station on Ship Street into a 'Boutique facility' offering services such as pilates sessions, movement therapy and fitness classes, suggested that some activities may move to this building if the Leisure Centre is closed.

This new centre might also provide exercise classes and some sports provision in the community. "The scope is massive; it's endless," Mr Sykes added.

The application has received only one objection - from Frodsham Town Council - and is currently waiting for the results of two Council reports before it can progress.

"We're waiting to get going on something that could very much help the community," Mr Sykes said.

"If this [planning application is passed] and we can move forward, about £200,000 would be put into the building over a 6 month period, to be up and running as soon as possible."

The Council will also be exploring the idea of moving some team sports and exercise classes to Helsby High School sports hall, which might be managed by external leisure centre staff in the evenings or at weekends.

In addition to this, Brio has recently trialled outdoor fitness sessions at Castle Park, and believes that this could be an effective way of maximising public use of the community spaces Frodsham has to offer.

Mr Hickson also stated that some activities might be moved to the new "fantastic" Helsby Community Sports Club development, but added that "no firm plans" had been made as of yet.

This was reiterated by Council leader and Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Louise Gittins, who stressed that nothing had yet been decided over the future of Frodsham's leisure facilities.

"We want to explore what is possible in Frodsham, recognising that there are challenges as well," Mr Hickson said.

"Our next step is to bring everyone's views together, to help shape how things may look for Frodsham moving forward."

He concluded by saying that CWAC are eager to, "work collectively on this, so it isn't just Brio and the Council. We really value the input of local users and groups"

CWAC are now working with Brio to collate public feedback, both from the information sessions and the online survey.

This will be channelled into a report, which will be discussed by the Council Cabinet in November.