A MOVE to close one of Caerphilly County Borough Council's (CCBC) leisure centres must be put on hold until a court hearing has taken place, a High Court order issued on Friday ruled.

CCBC wants to close Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre as part of its sports and recreation strategy, but a legal challenge was brought by Watkins and Gunn on behalf of one of the centre's users.

The move has also drawn considerable public opposition, with protests held by supporters of the leisure centre.

On April 10, CCBC made a decision the leisure centre would close by June 30

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But in Friday's order, the High Court said: "Until the hearing or further order the Defendant (CCBC) shall not take any formal irreversible steps to close the Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre.”

The hearing has been listed provisionally to begin on June 19.

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Lucy O’Brien, solicitor at Watkins and Gunn, said the firm had "serious concerns" about the council's decision-making process.

Speaking after the court order had been issued, Ms O'Brien said: “Pontllanfraith Leisure Centre is a well used facility at the centre of the community.

"It is disappointing that Caerphilly council has refused to listen to the public who have been campaigning tirelessly to keep the centre open.

"It is also frustrating to our client and the campaigners that the council has failed to consider any alternatives to closure.

"Our client and the campaigners have serious concerns about the decision making process in this case and they are pleased that the council’s closure plans have been halted by todays court order.”

A spokesman for Caerphilly County Borough Council said: "We note the court's interim ruling pending a judicial decision on the matter next month.

"The authority will make appropriate representations at the next scheduled hearing in June."