Friary Grange Leisure Centre
Friary Grange Leisure Centre

Lichfield District Council’s leader has assured campaigners that “every possible option” is being explored to keep Friary Grange Leisure Centre open.

Friary Grange Leisure Centre
Friary Grange Leisure Centre

The facility had been earmarked for closure in April 2020.

But a public campaign and a petition signed by thousands of residents has led to a review.

Cllr Paul Ray has warned residents the fight must go on ahead of a Cabinet meeting about the leisure centre at the Lichfield Garrick on 7th October.

But Cllr Doug Pullen, leader of the council, said the public opinion had not gone unnoticed.

Doug Pullen
Doug Pullen

“I have seen the huge outpouring of support for Friary Grange Leisure Centre, and will be meeting with Matt Wilson to formally accept the petition next week,” he said.

“When I took over as leader of the council back in May, I committed to being open and transparent, which is why I’ve invited the public to speak at the Cabinet meeting on 7th October.

“It’s also why I’ve put previously confidential papers into the public domain, and why I’ve booked the Lichfield Garrick for 500 people to attend our meeting. 

“I’ve asked our officers to look at every possible option to keep Friary Grange Leisure Centre open, and the full impact of closure on our community.

“All of those issues will be part of the very thorough, public discussion in October, in the hope that we can reach a short-term decision while we begin to consider future options for leisure provision.”

Founder of Lichfield Live and editor of the site.