Fight to save Friary Grange Leisure Centre

Residents have been warned that the fight to save Friary Grange Leisure Centre is still not over.

The future of the facility was thrown into doubt when Lichfield District Council announced plans to shut the site from April 2020.

But a petition backed by thousands of residents led to a review of the decision, with the local authority's Cabinet set to make a final decision next month.

Cllr Paul Ray said that while the review was welcomed, it did not mean the fight was over.

He said: "Friary Grange Leisure Centre has not yet been saved. I have spoken to a number of residents who have said that they understand that the centre has been saved - I can assure Lichfield residents that it has not. We must keep fighting to save it."

The Cabinet meeting has been moved to the Lichfield Garrick on 7th October in order to allow more residents to attend.

The campaign group, which includes residents and councillors, has also sought independent support over the issue.

Cllr Ray said: "Based on the legal advice we have received, Lichfield District Council and Staffordshire County Council would have a legal case to answer if the centre was closed. I sincerely hope that that will not happen but if it did there are key legal grounds where we feel the councils are exposed."

(from Lichfield Live)