More than 4,000 people who signed two petitions over the uncertain future of two Leeds leisure facilities could force an independent investigation into Leeds council.
As reported last week, two petitions each with more than 2,000 signatures have been presented to the council by residents fighting to stave off the closure of the Halton Moor-based East Leeds Leisure Centre, while another petition highlights community concerns over reduced opening hours at Garforth Squash and Leisure Centre from 1 April.
The Garforth centre is subject to a proposed community transfer to Garforth Academy - formerly Garforth Community College - later in the year.
Issues surrounding both centres will be discussed at next Tuesday's city development scrutiny board, which starts at 10am at the Civic Hall.
Garforth resident Natalie Mitchell has approached the board requesting scrutiny on the reduced hours at Garforth Leisure Centre.
And members of the board are also being ask to consider an investigation into the potential closure of the East Leeds centre.
A petition to the council states that the East Leeds centre offers many activities for youngsters that the council says are important. It states:
"The closest leisure centre for young people ... once East Leeds closes, is Fearnville, which is not accessible due to transport and cost implications. East Leeds Leisure Centre is also used as a base for essential services including the youth service, youth inclusion project, The Beck, one stop centres and housing so this closure will impact on wider organisations and effective service delivery."
The scrutiny board will also be looking at the results of a public consultation into the future of axe-threatened creche provision at six leisure centres across the city.
And members will by conducting the fourth part of their investigation into the future of Leeds Kirkgate Market. The investigation will also include a discussion on the correct business model for the market in the future - and whether traders should have more of a role in running the facilities.
The full agenda of the scrutiny board can be found here.
What do you think? Should East Leeds Leisure Centre be saved? Have your say in the comments section below.
