24 February, 2025

Sunny Stourbridge street stall says no to privatising the leisure centres

Campaigners turned out in force on a sunny Saturday morning in Stourbridge to raise awareness of the lobby of the council on Monday, 3 March at Dudley Council House, ahead of a crunch vote to keep the leisure centres open and public. They were supported by local Labour councillors, including councillors Cat Eccles, Jason Griffin, Cathy Bayton, and Ellen Cobb, and independent Councillor Andrew Tromans.

Cllrs Cathy Bayton, Ellen Cobb and Andrew Tromans joined forces with campaigners to raise awareness of the plans to privatise the leisure centres and the lobby on 3 March.

Councillor Ellen Cobb said: “Privatisation could lead to higher prices for customers and a reduction in pay and conditions for staff. We want to safeguard the benefits of these services for everyone and I’m glad to support the street stall.”

Councillor Andrew Tromans said: “It’s Crystal clear that the leisure centre is at the heart of Stourbridge. It’s vital that we keep these services in public hands for the benefit of all the community.”

Thanks to the 5,000-signature petition, the campaign will be addressing the council meeting on Monday, 3 March.

A lobby of the council will take place before the meeting to support the petition and motion on 3 March at 5.15pm, Dudley Council House.