A TOWN’s squash courts are set to disappear after councillors voted to scale back a multi-million pound scheme to upgrade a ‘tired and dated’ leisure centre to keep spiralling costs under control.

The original proposed revamp and extension of Caldicot Leisure Centre, which stands in stark contrast to the new state-of-the art Comprehensive school building next door, was costed last year at around £6m, but blew out to £8.3m.

A Monmouthshire Council report said the extra cost was due to issues with the condition of the current 1970s-built building.

And to bring costs back down to £6.3m, it proposed scrapping the extension and replacing the squash courts with other facilities, such as a soft play area.

Concerns that the courts would be got rid of after 40 years were raised at the meeting of the full county council last Thursday (January 16), but councillors voted to back the amended scheme.

Liberal Democrats and Caldicot Castle ward councillor Jo Watkins said they should stick with the £8.3m plan if it provided value for money in the long-term.

“Let’s not short-change ourselves by underinvestment in Caldicot,” she said, adding that the plans only provided a ‘cosmetic improvement’ of the pool.

But council leader Cllr Peter Fox (Welsh Con, Portskewett) said: “£6.3m is not to be sniffed at. To put that into context, you can build a whole brand new primary school for £4.5m to £5m.

“This is not peanuts being spent on an old barn in Caldicot, this is a fantastic investment and a huge investment that needs to be welcomed.”

The new scheme will see the top floor refurbished to provide new state-of-the-art fitness facilities, with a 60-station gym and a nine-station toning facility, plus extra studios for spinning and classes.

The squash courts and current changing rooms will make way for a soft play, cafe and kitchen area, with a viewing gallery also being provided onto the 20m swimming pool.

A spokesperson for Caldicot Squash Club said before last week’s decision: “We are aware of this proposal at the club and we’re looking at having a meeting with the management of the leisure centre as soon as possible to discuss it further.”

Hollie Davies, whose husband plays squash, posted on the Caldicot Community Facebook page: “Absolutely disgusted that number one they haven’t even consulted the community about any plans, but to suggest getting rid of squash courts is ludicrous, absolutely fuming.”