Labour has been forced into a major U-turn after huge backlash over plans to rip out the Plymouth Life Centre climbing wall.
Plymouth City Council owned Plymouth Active Leisure has confirmed that plans to replace the climbing wall with a soft play area will no longer go ahead.
The Labour run council said its latest U-turn has come as a result of "significant public feedback and intervention from political leaders in the city".
Thousands of locals signed a petition objecting to the closure and responded to a consultation, which was only published after Plymouth Plus contacted the council asking them to confirm their plans.
Councillors from Reform UK, the Conservatives and Independents also objected to the plans.
Although the climbing wall will now stay open for the time being, the council has not ruled out closure at a later date and says the climbing wall currently operates at a loss of around £100k per year.
The council has warned that people must start using the climbing wall in order for it to remain open. Labour Councillor Kate Taylor (Ham Ward), Cabinet Member for Finance and Sport said:
“We have heard the strength of feeling from our residents loud and clear. Hundreds of people have taken the time to share their views in our consultation, and we thank everyone who got involved.
“We are listening, and in light of that feedback, Plymouth Active Leisure will not be moving forward with these proposals.
“Instead, Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Active Leisure will work together to bring forward alternative plans to continue to improve the service offered to users of all our facilities. This includes engaging in conversation with regional and national climbing organisations to see what assistance they may be able to provide to improve the climbing experience at the Life Centre.
“Our ultimate goal is – and always has been – the financial viability of Plymouth Active Leisure. It is an organisation which we are proud of; one which provides so many different opportunities for Plymouth people between the Life Centre, Mount Wise Swimming Pools, Tinside Lido and Plympton Gym.
“However, the facilities offered can only thrive if they are supported by local people. Over the past 12 months, there have only been 208 regular members of the climbing wall, alongside around 500 additional users who registered on an ad hoc or one-off basis. However, operating costs continue to exceed income, with the gap increasing every year. The climbing wall currently loses around £100k per year.
“I would encourage people in Plymouth to vote with their feet and ensure that Plymouth Active Leisure’s facilities are financially viable, and available to local people for many years to come.”
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