The Pulse Dursley leisure centre to shut during half term

The much-loved centre in Dursley is set to be redeveloped as part of a £5 million green energy investment project by Stroud District Council. 

It will be closed for one week from Monday, October 30 to Monday, November 6.

The scheme includes installing new green technology which will use outside air and recycled heat from the centre as heating, boosted by additional solar panels.

As part of the wider project, Stratford Park and the Museum in the Park will also improved at a later date.

However, families on social media have criticised the timing of the work.

SDC Conservative group leader Lindsey Green (Berkeley Vale) has echoed this criticism.

Ms Green said: “It's disappointing that SDC have decided to close The Pulse during half-term. 

“Many parents, grandparents, and carers rely upon the services at The Pulse during holiday times. 

“It can be a vital lifeline to many families including those with children who are disabled or have additional needs. 

“There are also the costs that come with closing during half-term too. 

“I would imagine that holiday periods are much more lucrative with the extra sessions and activities that they usually provide being lost. 

“This closure over half-term will have a huge detrimental impact on people in Dursley, Cam and the Berkeley Vale.”

It is understood that the choice to close during half-term was made to prevent disruptions to school swimming lessons and term-time exercise programmes.

SDC said it was a "difficult decision" to close the centre but added the work had been "carefully considered by all involved."  

The work also includes replacing the main transformer at the centre with new heat pumps and decommissioning the gas boilers. 

Meanwhile, changing rooms will be re-tiled, and improvements made to the Castle Street car park.

Alternative swimming, gym and fitness sessions will be available at Stratford Park.

Cllr Beki Aldam, chair of SDC Community Services & Licensing Committee said: “The difficult decision of when best to close a leisure centre that is used and loved by the community has been carefully considered by all involved.

"Shutting during the half term week means that school swimming lessons and all the exercise programmes that take place during the term time, will not be disrupted.

“While most of the work is taking place behind the scenes with no impact on users, each site will close to the public for a short time. 

“We know how much people value The Pulse which is why it is closing for as short a time as possible. 

“They can be assured that we are investing in the future of our leisure facilities at a time when public swimming pools across the country are facing financial difficulties.”

SDC has revealed that Pulse members who pay by Direct Debit will have a reduction in payment for one month (November 2023). 

Meanwhile, pre-paid members will have a week added to the end of their contract.