POWYS council is to hold a drop-in session to explain why a leisure centre is under threat of closure.

The event at Knighton Community Centre will also allow people to give their views to council officials on the planned closure of Knighton Leisure Centre and any alternative ideas on how the council can make savings.

The council announced in September it was proposing the closure of the leisure centre as part of a bid to save £200,000 from its leisure budget.

The council must save £29.8 million over the next three years due to cuts from the Welsh Government and the UK Government’s austerity measures.

Council deputy leader Graham Brown, the councillor responsible for the service, said: "The suggested closure of Knighton Leisure Centre is regrettable and we recognise that residents will be opposed to and upset at this proposal.

"However we feel it is the most sensible approach to make the savings required. The drop in sessions will allow residents a chance to hear about the logic and reasons why Knighton is being considered for closure. It will also allow us to capture any alternative ideas that people may have around the savings target before we take a final decision in late November."

The council said Knighton is its least used leisure centre in Powys. In 2015 the council appointed private firm Freedom Leisure to run its sports and leisure centres in a move to reduce costs to the council and, it said, protect the future of the facilities.

Brecon and Radnorshire Liberal Democrat AM Kirsty Williams and Conservative MP Chris Davies have criticised the proposed closure.

The drop-in session takes place from 1.30pm to 5.30pm on Thursday, October 20 at Knighton Community Centre.

Residents who are unable to attend the drop-in session but wish to contribute views or alternative ideas around the proposal can emailing [email protected] or write to The Leisure and Recreation Services Manager, The Gwalia, Ithon Road, Llandrindod Wells, Powys County Council, LD1 6AA by October 31.