RESIDENTS in the Trowbridge area are being asked to give their views on leisure activities to help shape plans for future provision in the town.

Wiltshire Council has launched the survey to find out people’s views on physical activity and what factors are necessary to create a good leisure offer.

The council is poised to invest around £25 million over the next few years in leisure provision that supports the Trowbridge community for the long term.

Councillor Ian Blair-Pilling, Cabinet Member for Leisure, said: “We are planning a significant investment in leisure provision in Trowbridge and we want to get this right for the local community.

“It’s really important we hear people’s views and I would urge all Trowbridge area residents to complete this survey, whether you currently use leisure services or never use them.

“The more people who complete the survey, the more we can ensure future provision is right for the community, and will have a long-lasting, positive impact, providing health, social and economic benefits for the town.”

The survey comes ahead of plans to build a new leisure centre and swimming pool to replace the outdated facilities next to the Clarendon Academy School in Frome Road.

The pool was closed on Christmas Eve 2019 for urgent repairs to its structural framework and did not reopen until April 2021. The centre was built in 1965 and was refurbished in 2006.

The funding was agreed in Wiltshire Council’s budget in February as part of its business plan commitment to ensure Wiltshire is a place where people are active in vibrant, well-connected communities.

A key stage of the process is getting feedback from the public, and people are being asked to complete the survey to provide an understanding of the current leisure needs and priorities of the community.

The council has appointed Max Associates to carry out the work, which involves engaging with a range of stakeholders and reviewing data to ensure that the final plan put forward is the right one for the community and will be sustainable over the long-term.

Once the engagement work is complete, the council will look at the viable options for possible locations for new provision.

Several factors will be considered throughout the entire process, including the impact on public health; the local economy; community; environment; and financial sustainability.

Click here to access the survey.  It will be available until Sunday, September 18.