Flintshire Councillors launch petition to save Aura’s libraries and leisure centres

A petition launched by local councillors in Flintshire to save Aura’s libraries and leisure centres has attracted over 1,000 signatures just one day after its release.

Flintshire People’s Voice (FPV), a group with five councillors on Flintshire Council, is leading the charge to protect the services operated by Aura, a not-for-profit, employee-owned organisation.

The petition warns that vital services across the county including libraries, leisure centres, play areas, and heritage sites could close.

The petition states: “Throughout the summer, the leadership of Flintshire County Council has been holding an axe over Aura, the employee-owned not-for-profit organisation that runs Flintshire’s libraries and leisure centres, as well as vital play areas and important heritage services. Flintshire County Council is threatening to force Aura out of existence by refusing to extend their contract to run essential services in Flintshire. This decision will undoubtedly lead to severe service disruption across the community and could ultimately result in the closure of many libraries and leisure centres throughout Flintshire.”

Councillor Carolyn Preece (FPV, Buckley Bistre West) expressed concern about the potential impact on local services, stating: “There’s a real risk that Buckley Library and Buckley Leisure Centre, together with services across Flintshire, could be closed for an indefinite period if this is not handled properly. I will do everything I can to stop that from happening, and I ask local residents to sign our petition calling on the council to protect these services.”

Sara Mogel OBE, Chair of Aura, added her voice to the campaign on social media. In a tweet from her personal Twitter account, she urged: “Please sign this petition to save library and leisure services. Aura offered to make up the funding gap themselves to save the services and Flintshire has turned them down! Ask your Councillor why.”

FPV leader, Councillor Sam Swash (Hawarden & Mancot), revealed that the group intends to present the petition at the next council meeting, expected in mid-October.

He emphasised that FPV would push for every councillor to publicly declare their position on the future of Aura’s services.

A spokesperson said: “Flintshire County Council’s contract with Aura Leisure and Libraries Ltd will come to an end next month.

“It follows lengthy discussions between the Council and Aura this year to secure a long-term agreement for the future provision of leisure, library, play and museum services in the county.

“A new contract was offered to Aura which has been declined.  The Council is disappointed that agreement could not be reached on a longer-term arrangement given the commitment by members and officers and the positive steps taken to seek resolution.

“The Council is keen to ensure a robust plan is in place and duly communicated in readiness for when the current contract expires on 31 October. The primary focus will now be to minimise disruption for service-users and provide assurance to Aura employees.”

The petition is available to sign online at https://fpv.wales/save-aura,