COMMENT: It’s vital that we invest in sport and leisure in Portsmouth

From gyms to swimming pools and exercise classes, they play such an important part in keeping us fit and healthy as well as contributing to our mental wellbeing.

So, as we wait for the doors to be allowed to open once again, news of a plan to build a new pool and leisure centre in the south east of Portsmouth is very welcome.

Today we report on how the city council has revealed proposals to create this new facility and is now asking residents for their opinions.

In terms of existing leisure offerings in the city, it's a case of 'instead of' rather than 'as well as'.

If approved, the new leisure centre and pool would replace both the Eastney Swimming Pool and Wimbledon Park Sports Centre - potentially at Bransbury Park.

But we're told the pool alone would need £850,000 spending on it just to keep it in working order.

So we think the best way forward is to put this money and extra potential funding from Sports England towards providing a modern, fit-for-purpose building.

As deputy council leader and leisure boss Councillor Steve Pitt says: ‘We have got a once-in-a-generation opportunity to actually take a proper hard look at our leisure facilities and make them available for residents as a 21st century offer.'

We also agree with him when he adds that the pandemic has made it more important than ever to invest in sport and leisure provision to help people stay active.

But before any decisions are made, it's only right that people get the chance to have their say.

So please visit portsmouth.gov.uk/sportandleisure or call (023) 9261 6708 by Sunday, December 13.