A community group has shared plans to fight back against the decision to close Blackwater Leisure Centre's popular sports hall.

Maldon Against Sports Hall Closure (MASHC), says it plans to take the council to judicial review following the announcement that its leisure contractor, Places Leisure, would be revamping Maldon's leisure centre.

While plans to build a larger gym and upgrade the poolside facilities have been welcomed with open arms - the decision to turn the sports hall into a 'Clip 'n Climb' climbing wall has been controversial. 

The group say that while they "acknowledge that support has been offered to find solutions," they believe these solutions are "unsatisfactory" due to lack of all year access, lack of accessibility, cost and distance.

A spokesperson for MASHC said: "Following numerous individual attempts to get Maldon District Council to listen to our concerns, we have come together to take legal action against the decision to close the sports hall and convert it into a power gym, dance studio and clip and climb facility. 

"There are only two public sports halls in the District compared to four other gyms in Maldon town alone, with another planned to open. 

"Whilst a clip and climb facility is better located in Madison Heights, and at an average cost of £14 per person per session is unlikely to achieve the stated aims of this contract to widen participation in physical activity and improve residents' health and wellbeing.

"We are appealing to the wider community for support to help keep our public sports hall open for current and future generations."

The recent announcement left numerous sports groups and clubs with 10-weeks to find a new location to use ahead of closure on August 18. 

The upgrade follows Maldon District Council awarding a new 20-year contract to Places Leisure in November 2024.

MASHC are now appealing for donations towards legal support, with a judicial review estimated  to cost £15,000.

A spokesperson for Maldon District Council, said: "Neither Maldon District Council nor our Leisure contractor, Places Leisure, have been notified of any legal challenge, although we are aware of the social media post which is seeking financial contributions from residents to support their action. We will of course robustly contest any such legal action should this proceed. 

"Both Places Leisure and Maldon District Council have been working with the 25 frequent bookers of the sports hall to support them with relocation options. 

"Most frequent bookers have since found alternative arrangements which they are satisfied with.

"Places Leisure and Maldon District Council, continue to meet with representatives to support them as they transition to their new venues."