MP in fight to save threatened Batley leisure centre

Batley Sports and Tennis Centre is under threat of closure

A West Yorkshire MP has vowed to do "everything she can" to save a leisure centre at risk of closure.

Batley Sports and Tennis Centre is being considered for closure by Kirklees Council as it tries to address a £47.8m budget overspend.

Kim Leadbeater, Labour MP for Batley and Spen, said a public meeting later would consider ways of saving the facility.

She said leisure centres gave people "wellbeing and connection".

"At the meeting I will be doing everything I can to work with local groups and organisations to find solutions to save the centre," she added.

Batley Sports and Tennis Centre is proposed to close along with Colne Valley Leisure Centre and Dewsbury Sports Centre, as part of cost-cutting measures by the council.

'Get the facility saved'

Ms Leadbeater, who had her own fitness and wellbeing business before becoming an MP, said: "I worked in this industry for over 20 years.

"I understand the power of sport, physical activity, movement and the strength it gives our communities.

"Not just in physical health, but mental health and wellbeing, social health and wellbeing and connection."

The MP said about 300 people had registered to attend the meeting which "shows the strength of feeling".

"Tonight it is about finding solutions, not the politics of it. There's no point me getting 300 people together in a room and us all just shouting at each other," she said.

"I want to look at how we get this facility saved and I hope that will be the spirit of the meeting," she added.

The meeting is due to take place from 17:30 BST to 18:30 BST at Batley Sports and Tennis Centre.