CAMPAIGNERS battling to save Woolston Neighbourhood Hub from closure have launched a petition in a bid to keep the community facility open and are planning a protest rally tomorrow, Saturday.
Already more than 500 people have signed the petition, launched by local resident Laura Bather, while a further 2,000 people have joined a save Woolston Hub Facebook group.
Faced with costs of an estimated £3m to bring the building up to spec following legionella being found in the water supply and other structural problems, including rotting flooring, Warrington Borough Council has launched a six week consultation on the future of the building.
Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols has already stated she doesn’t want to see the facility close and is working with the Council, DCMS and MHCLG (both government departments) about how this closure can be avoided.
Local residents and campaigners are gathering for a peaceful but noisy demonstration calling for urgent action to repair and reopen the Woolston Neighbourhood Hub, tomorrow, Saturday, at 11.30am.
Cllr Denis matthews has taken to saocial media to state the council’s case saying: “It is essential that WBC consult with the residents of Warrington.
“Equally important is that the consultation is based on an honest presentation of the facts.
“Public budgets can only ever be stretched so far, and are ultimately funded by the tax payer – either via council tax collections or from central govt grant.
“The council are obligated to provide statutory services, and these need to have first priority on any call for funding.
“Over the years many residents have asked for transparency over the councils finances and the choices that must be made.”
He added: “Many have asked for years that the council operate reasonably within its budgets and cease to borrow money for commercial investments.
“That is what the council is now doing.
“The consultation is an honest one, and although the facts may not be welcomed, they are there for the public to see.”
The online petition is titled: Save Woolston Hub – Keep Our Swimming Pool, Library & Community Services
It states: “We, the residents of Woolston, Padgate, Rixton and surrounding areas, call on Warrington Borough Council to repair and reopen our Hub, not shut it down.
“The Hub is more than a building — it’s our swimming pool, gym, library, GP link and community heart. Losing it would be a devastating blow to families, older residents, disabled people and anyone who can’t easily travel to other facilities.
“The Council estimates repairs at £3 million — but the social value of the Hub far outweighs the cost. Every £1 invested in community leisure brings up to £5 in social and health benefits (Sport England, 2022).
“We’re asking the Council to:
Fund essential repairs to fix legionella and structural issues.
Keep all core services — pool, library, health and community spaces — together and open locally.
Be transparent — publish costs, plans and timelines, and involve residents in decisions.
Commit to reopening within a clear timeframe.(6 months)
Why this matters:
“Woolston Hub is the only facility of its kind in East Warrington.
“Closure will isolate vulnerable residents and reduce access to vital health, leisure and learning services.
“It’s unfair and short-sighted to strip one community of its only local amenities.
“We believe repair is the responsible, legal and community-centred option. Under the Equality Act 2010, the Council must consider the impact of closure on older, disabled and low-income residents — and we urge them to do so transparently.
“Save Woolston Hub. Protect our pool, our library, our health and our community.
“Please sign and share to show Warrington Borough Council that we stand together for Woolston.”
To sign the petition CLICK HERE
