Valerie welcomes improvements at Walsall Gala Baths following the publication of concerning local health statistics

Valerie has welcomed the decision by Walsall MBC to undertake £1 million of renovations and improvements at Walsall Gala Baths following the publication of concerning local health statistics by Public Health England.

Valerie said:

“My constituents and I have campaigned to keep the Gala Baths in Walsall Town Centre because of its important health benefits. I first raised the threat to the Gala Baths in Parliament on 6 June 2013 at Leader of the House Questions. On 13 June 2013, I presented a petition to Parliament signed by 1,938 users of the Walsall Gala Baths calling on Walsall MBC to keep the Gala Baths open in the Town Centre. Nearly 2000 users of the Gala Baths made it unambiguously clear that this unique community asset must remain open in Walsall Town Centre. I have also raised the future of the Baths with the Chief Executive of Walsall MBC.”

“Public Health England published a report on 24 September 2013 showing that in Walsall, 8% of adults suffer from diabetes, 27.8% are classed as obese and only 21.8% eat healthily. These rates are all significantly above average but particularly for diabetes, for which Walsall has the 7th highest rate in England.”

“As a result of the Health and Social Care Act 2012, Local Authorities are now responsible for public health. These statistics show how important it is that Walsall MBC does everything in its power to encourage residents to take part in physical activity.”

“I am pleased that the Council has now listened and agreed to spend £1 million on the refurbishment of the Baths. The brine pool at the Gala Baths is a unique resource for the people of Walsall, the only one in the region and well used by many of my constituents, as well as others from the wider West Midlands, for its health benefits.”