The original proposal to shut Friary Grange Leisure was a shortsighted one, a Lichfield councillor has claimed.
Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet recommended keeping the facility open at a specially-convened meeting last night.
It had originally planned to bring the curtain down on public leisure provision in April 2020, before a public backlash and a petition signed by thousands of residents forced a review of the decision.
Cllr Dave Robertson, Labour representative for the Curborough ward, said he was pleased to see voices of local people being heard on key issues.
“I am delighted that the Cabinet has bowed to the weight of public opinion and found a way to keep Friary Grange open until the replacement is built,” he said.
“The centre really does mean so much more to people than just being a swimming pool and leisure centre.
“The community in Lichfield stood up for their facilities against a shortsighted proposal and I am so proud to be part of that community and to have been able to play my small part in what has been a fantastic campaign by the Save Friary Grange Action Group.”
