Cabinet to consider proposed changes to Much Wenlock Leisure Centre

Shropshire Council’s Cabinet will be asked to consider approving a consultation on options for changes at Much Wenlock Leisure Centre tomorrow.

These proposals include an option for the council’s leisure team to cease to operate Much Wenlock Leisure Centre, as well as to withdraw subsidy for community use, which would save the council around £280,040 per year.

The centre itself is a joint-use facility integral to William Brookes School. It is owned by the William Brookes Academy Trust, a charity and company limited by guarantee. In April 2021 the school joined The 3-18 Education Trust, a Multi Academy Trust with nine schools.

The council currently operates and manages the centre of behalf of the Trust to provide community use when the facility is not being used for education purposes and has done so since 2010.

If agreed, the council’s proposed changes could mean a reduction in community use, although this decision would ultimately rest with William Brookes School and their parent trust, The 3-18 Education Trust, who are currently positively exploring alternative ways of operating the centre.