Conservative Councillor Leighton Rowlands has raised concerns for the future of the Holm View Leisure Centre.
The Labour led Vale Council has decided to dispose of the Leisure Centre after Legacy Leisure decided it wanted to renew the contract with the Vale Council but without the Holm View Leisure Centre being part of it the arrangement. The agreement is due to end on January 1 next year.
Now the Council is offering the building on a long-term lease, for use by the local and wider community. However any new tenant the building will be offered in its current condition with full repairing and maintenance obligations passing to that tenant, and that a minimum of a 99-year lease be offered.
Dyfan Ward Councillor, Councillor Leighton Rowlands has said he's deeply disappointed in the decision.
"I’m deeply disappointment that Legacy Leisure have decided to pull out of running the Holm View Leisure Centre. This is an iconic building for the people of Barry, I see the cabinet will be looking to put it on the open market for interest."
"My concern and the concerns of many Barry residents is if there is no uptake from voluntary or charitable organisations because of the 99 year lease and the fact they will be liable for the repairs and maintenance when they take it on."
"If no organisation takes it on there is no doubt the council will dispose of the site for Housing. The Council needs to make every effort to ensure this facility is kept for the local residents and make it flexible for organisations to take it on by offering a lower lease and doing it up before putting it out on the market no volunteering or charitable group should be expected to do the repairs of a building as soon as they go in."