Closure fear for leisure facilities; WALES.

Byline: By ELGAN HEARN

CRUNCH talks are being held on Monday, to decide the future for leisure and sports facilities on Anglesey.

Options being considered by Anglesey Council Executive members include axing two of the island's swimming pools and Beaumaris Leisure Centre.

Refurbishing existing facilities would put an extra pounds 16 on the average council tax bill on the island.

The future of Holyhead Weightlifting Club, earmarked as a 2012 Olympic training venue, also hangs in the balance.

The club had hoped to be included in new facilities built in Holyhead.

Richard Parry Jones, director of education and leisure, said: "Because there are so many options and variations it is difficult to provide a comprehensive list, but there are two basic questions that need answering: "How many sports halls and dry facilities are required and how many pools?"

Wales and Holyhead weightlifting coach Ray Williams said: "Months of talks come to a head at this meeting and we'll finally know where we stand."

The leisure centre debate has been hanging in the air for six months.

In August 2008, the executive decided not to continue with the programme of improvement to facilities agreed by the previous executive, including refurbishments and looking to turn Holyhead leisure centre into separate wet and dry facilities in different locations.

At the same meeting a bid to host the 2015 Island Games was scrapped.

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