Petition started to save Biggleswade leisure centre crèche from closure

They say the leisure centre serves as a pivotal hub for community health and wellness, with the creche serving as a vital lifeline.

The creche, which is run by Everyone Active on behalf of Central Beds Council, caters for children aged from six months to six years old. It costs £3.70 per child per session.

Users say it means parents and carers to access the gym, maintain their physical and mental wellbeing, and stay active, knowing their children are in a safe, nurturing, and trusted environment.

But the leisure centre says it’s no longer viable due to a ‘significant reduction’ in users.

Tamar Dulley, a working mum from Clifton, regularly uses the gym, leaving her three-year-old daughter in the care of the creche. She said: ”We only found out on Sunday, and there has been no consultation or any suggestion about finding an alternative solution.

“We have been told the creche is closing because it's not profitable, but closing the facility will mean lots of parents, including myself, won’t be able to use the gym so it will lose membership.

" I also understand they want to use the creche area for gym classes. But members won’t be paying any extra for those so it will mean the creche will also be losing revenue. It just doesn’t make any sense.

“We rely on the creche, it’s a vital lifeline and to lose it would be so unfair.”

Another user, Kirsty Heather, explained: “Many families in Biggleswade rely on the crèche so they can use the gym and swimming facilities. For some parents, it’s the only realistic way they can look after their health and wellbeing.

"What’s most worrying is that a huge number of local people didn’t even know the crèche existed, meaning it’s been poorly advertised and underused despite the real need for it. There is a group of mums, myself included, who are really passionate about getting this closure revoked.”

The petition states that the crèche staff have shaped children’s early years, creating a foundation of trust and social interaction that goes beyond basic child-minding.

It adds: “Losing this valuable resource threatens the wellbeing of numerous families who rely on it for balance in their hectic lives. Not only does it allow parents the respite needed to focus on fitness and mental health, but it also fosters early social skills and development in our young ones. The closure of this crèche represents an imminent loss not only to individual families but to the staff working there and our community as a whole.”

But the centre says it is having to close due to drop in number of people using the creche.

Phillip Rose, general manager, said: “We have experienced a significant reduction in the number of users of the creche in the past few years, with just 33 repeat customers in the past six months.

“While we acknowledge the disappointment of some of our users, unfortunately this means the creche is no longer viable for future use. We thank our customers for their understanding and apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Members now propose exploring alternative solutions for keeping the creche open, such as increased funding, or partnerships with local businesses.

The petition adds: “We believe with strong community support and creative problem-solving, we can prevent this closure. Let's ensure Saxon Pool & Leisure Centre continues to be a supportive environment for families in Biggleswade. By standing together and amplifying our voices, we can work towards a resolution that keeps the crèche operational for current and future generations.”

You can sign the petition here.