People fighting to save a 'well-loved' leisure centre in Merseyside will gather in 'Speedos and goggles' for a protest this month.
Woodchurch Leisure Centre could close its doors after Wirral Council revealed its plans to bridge a £27m gap in the latest budget.
The closure of the Wirral centre would save the council a total of £402,000 towards their £27m gap, however the plans were met with anger by locals who are 'disgusted' by the proposal.
READ MORE: Nine teenagers in court after double stabbing outside Riverside College
Along with an active petition which exceeded 3,300 signatures, a local charity has organised a public gathering and asked people from across the borough to unite and fight the council's plan.
The Carrbridge Centre, which is located next door to Woodchurch Leisure Centre, has organised the event that will take place outside the venue on Carr Bridge Road, which is home to a 25m swimming pool.
Sharing details of the event on Facebook, CEO of the Carrbridge Centre Charity Matthew Gibbs told locals to bring along their rubber rings and ‘all the items you won’t be able to use’ if the centre is closed down.
The event invite reads: “Calling all families throughout the Wirral who have ever used Woodchurch swimming pool, please join us in our protest to save our essential baths on Thursday 27th January, 3pm-5pm.
“Let's have our own party and show the council they have to stop taking vital services away.
“Call into the hub on Hoole Road to sign the petition, drop off your inflatables, make a banner and show your support.”
The post has been shared by more than 50 people across the borough with many expressing an urgency for locals to attend the protest.
Matthew told the ECHO he intends for everyone to ‘turn up in Speedos and goggles’ to the event.
Matthew, 50, added: "If the swimming baths are demolished, the health benefits and opportunities for so many children living in the centre of Wirral are gone. Swimming should not be just a luxury for a few."
Matthew’s son Myles, nine, was diagnosed with a rare disorder in January 2020 which has seen him lose coordination in his body.
Matthew, who lives in Birkenhead, added: “Swimming is the only thing I can do with Myles now so it's so important for us.
“If the centre closes, where can I actually go where there is that shallow to deep pool? There isn’t anywhere, so it’s important it stays open for us and other families.”
Public consultation will soon be underway which will give locals the chance to have their say on the budget proposals which include the closure of 11 libraries, two public golf courses, the leisure centre and more.
The protest will take place between 3pm and 5pm on Thursday, January 27 with people meeting outside Woodchurch Leisure Centre.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
