Ceredigion County Council has been criticised for prioritising “exorbitant salary rises”, over providing facilities and support for children and families.

Last week, the council confirmed there was no definitive reopening date, despite announcing an autumn reopening date previously, for Plascrug and Cardigan Leisure Centre, and Lampeter Swimming Pool.

In a full council meeting, on 21 October, Cllr Catherine Hughes, cabinet member for Porth Gofal, said they are “hoping to have some more information by the end of November”, but that it was not expected for children to be back swimming until the new year.

Aberystwyth town councillor Alex Mangold, who played a part in organising protests on the issue, told the Cambrian News he is “not alone” in thinking the “delay shows again that children and families are not a priority for this council”.

“Instead of agreeing exorbitant salary rises for executives, the county council would be better advised to make sure that children and families can access the facilities and the support they need in these difficult times,” Cllr Mangold added.

“This includes leisure facilities - but it also extends to other examples, such as the delay with the ramp for the Plascrug pedestrian bridge and the council’s reluctance to address multiple deprivation factors in Penparcau.

“I am pleased to see that the necessary work is finally happening. Although people have been hoping that the pool will reopen before Christmas, it seems now that this will be very unlikely.”

During the 21 October meeting, Ceredigion county councillors signed off the draft well-being and improvement objectives annual report 2020-21.

Cllr Ceredig Davies highlighted the reference to leisure and swimming included was not being provided, adding it had been “a year or two now where children have missed out and there are children that haven’t had the opportunity to learn to swim”.

Cllr Hughes added: “We are working hard on this to make sure we are reopening our leisure centres. It’s a difficult time but we haven’t forgotten about this.”

Councillors were reminded that some swimming services were available in Aberaeron, Llandysul and at Aberystwyth University, and Cllr Catrin Miles provided an update on Cardigan pool which she said is “up and running.”

Despite the Welsh Government giving the go-ahead for sport and physical activity provision to reopen from 3 May, Ceredigion County Council were the only local authority to keep such facilities shut.

While Aberaeron Leisure Centre and Lampeter Leisure Centre reopened on 5 July, Cardigan and Plascrug Leisure Centre, which were commissioned as field hospitals during the pandemic, as well as Lampeter Swimming Pool remain shut.

Work to reopen the facilities is “progressing”, but the council confirmed this has been delayed due to a “dependency on specialist contractors and availability of materials for the required works”.