RESIDENTS across Batley and Spen are being urged to make their views known to Kirklees Council about the possible closure of leisure centres in the area.

The Labour-led authority needs to make savings of £47 million to avoid effective bankruptcy.

Last week, the Telegraph & Argus reported Batley Sports and Tennis Centre, Colne Valley Leisure Centre and Dewsbury Sports Centre are planned to be closed for good amid the council's significant financial challenges.

Kim Leadbeater, Labour MP for Batley and Spen, is now calling on residents to have their say in a six-week public consultation on the plans, which begins today. 

Ms Leadbeater said: "Nobody should be in any doubt how much I value our pools, sports and leisure facilities. 

"They bring huge benefits in terms of the health and well-being of everybody who uses them, but also to the wider community.

"While I fully understand the financial constraints the council is under after 13 years of cutbacks from the Tories in Government, I would be devastated to see more facilities closed either permanently or temporarily.

"I would urge everybody to take part in the consultation to make their views known."

People can have their say in the consultation via the council's website.