A 10 year ‘vision’ for leisure services in Pembrokeshire has been given the cabinet stamp of approval.

A detailed plan for transforming for sports and recreation, created by consultants Leisure Strategy, senior council officers and cabinet members, was discussed on Monday (July 2).

It includes a new pool and ‘family entertainment centre’ for Tenby, changing opening hours at smaller leisure centre sites, improving digital and out-of-hour access, adding to current timetables and cafes at centres and working with the community for adding 3G pitches.

Also included is the possibility of a ‘sports village’ to be developed as part of the new school build at Haverfordwest.

Different types of memberships, possibly focusing on one area of activity, will be examined along with fee increases.

Clr. Miller said around £933,523 of savings had been identified over the next ten years along with more investment.

More savings could be made by closing facilities or charging schools for sites but “I don’t want to do that,” Clr. Miller said.

He also said that he did not want to close centres although ‘work on the performance of some centres’ was needed.

Cabinet member for education Clr. David Lloyd said it was a ‘hugely ambitious vision.’

Of St. Davids’ fitness centre in his ward, he added: “I’m perfectly aware it’s leaking money, this new strategy gives us hope that we can build something sustainable.”

The desire to build a new pool in the city was still strong and discussions ongoing said Clr. Lloyd.

Facilities at the Tasker Milward site would face closure if a new build is at Sir Thomas Picton, something Clr. Pat Davies said would be a loss to Portfield School.

Councillors voted in favour of delegating power to the head of cultural, leisure and registration services, Mike Cavanagh, to start work on delivery, with some aspects requiring further cabinet involvement.

Mr. Cavanagh said his team were ‘chomping at the bit’ to get started and an action plan will be drawn up, along with business plans, straight away.