Pembrokeshire County Council’s ‘wellbeing champion’ has shared concerns about the future viability of the council’s swimming pools and leisure centres amid rising energy costs.

The concerns of Welsh Conservative Group County Councillor Rhys Jordan, who represents the wards of St Mary Out Liberty (New Hedges) and St Florence come as figures collated by the trade body UK Active show that in the past year, 29 leisure centres, pools or gyms have closed temporarily or permanently because of rising energy prices.

Additionally, more than 300 others have mitigated against higher bills, including by reducing their hours, increasing their fees or lowering pool temperatures.

Councillor Jordan said: “Keeping our counties leisure’s centres open is vitally important for not only the physical well-being of the people of Pembrokeshire, but their mental wellbeing also.”

In a recent release to the BBC, a government spokesperson said in response to the situation it was providing businesses and non-domestic energy users “an unprecedented £18bn package of support this winter.”

The spokesperson added: “On top of this, we have pledged to continue energy support from April onwards through our Energy Bills Discount Scheme.”

Cllr Jordan has pressed the Local Authority’s officers for a response on the matter, with Dr Steven Jones, PCC’s Director of Community Services reassurs him, by stating: “I can confirm there are no plans to close council run swimming pools this winter.”

Cllr Jordan contined: “As energy costs continue to rise, it’s now vitally important that our leisure centres are run efficiently, focussing on encouraging new members to join whilst ensuring we continue to raise standards for existing members.

“Thus achieving our goals of keeping Pembrokeshire’s residents more active, more often.”