Hi,

Urgent Concerns Regarding the Shankill Leisure Centre’s Facilities

I am writing to express my growing concerns about the state of the Shankill Leisure Centre, and I feel that both the local MP and councillors need to take urgent action to address the issues that are seriously impacting the local community.

Firstly, the steam room has been out of action for at least a month now, and there has been little communication or effort to get it repaired. Equally, the sauna, which is a key service for many people in our area, has been allowed to fall into disrepair. Rather than performing routine maintenance when the issues first arose, it appears management has allowed the sauna to deteriorate. According to management, the sauna will now be closed for up to two months, which is unacceptable, particularly given the health and mental health benefits that the sauna provides to users. Many people in our community rely on this facility not just for physical well-being, but also for social interaction, which is vital for mental health, particularly for vulnerable groups.

In addition to the sauna and steam room issues, the men’s changing area only has one working shower. The other has been out of action for weeks, making it difficult for people to use the centre effectively.

Finally, the gym equipment in the Leisure Centre is outdated and, in many cases, is made up of cast-offs from other centres. The equipment is not just old but also inadequate, which affects the quality of the exercise experience for local residents. This is particularly disappointing as many people in the Shankill area are reliant on the Leisure Centre as an affordable and convenient way to maintain their health.

It’s clear that the Shankill area has been underfunded and overlooked for too long. Our community deserves better than this—both in terms of the facilities offered and the care with which they are maintained. The people of Shankill need to know that their health, well-being, and access to fitness facilities matter.

I am asking you to take the following actions:

Raise these issues with the relevant authorities to ensure the sauna, steam room, and other vital facilities are properly repaired and maintained, with clear timelines provided to the public.

Press for the allocation of resources to update the gym equipment and improve the overall condition of the Leisure Centre.

Advocate for more regular maintenance and investment in the Shankill Leisure Centre, ensuring it can serve the community for years to come.

Ensure better communication from the Leisure Centre management to the community, so that users are aware of ongoing issues and are not left in the dark.

The Shankill Leisure Centre is a key resource for our community, and it’s time for the people of Shankill to get the support and investment they deserve. I look forward to your response and hope you will take action to ensure these important issues are addressed as a priority.

Yours sincerely,

I urge everyone in our community to take advantage of the Write to Them service at writetothem.com. This user-friendly platform allows you to easily contact your local MPs and councillors about issues that matter to you. Whether it’s advocating for the reopening of the Shankill Leisure Centre sauna or addressing concerns about local facilities, your voice can make a difference. With just a few clicks, you can express your thoughts and urge our representatives to take action. Let’s come together and ensure our concerns are heard—every message counts!