THE leisure centre in Corwen has re-opened under a new name - with those responsible for the re-branding 'proud ' to provide a 'fitting tribute' to a much-loved Councillor.

Huw 'Chick' Jones was a well-respected town and county councillor who was a familiar face to so many in the town and beyond. He died in February 2020, aged 62.

His love for sport was well and truly ingrained into the community forever recently after a stand at the Corwen Football Club ground was named in his honour, as well as the clubhouse at the club's Dee Park youth facilities.

Now, that trend continues as the town's extensively refurbished leisure centre re-opens under the name Canolfan Hamdden Huw Jones Leisure Centre.

The refurbishment is now complete and includes a new pool hall, changing areas, viewing area and new state-of-the-art fitness equipment.

Denbighshire Leisure Ltd and Denbighshire County Council say they are 'proud' to name it after Cllr Jones who had a strong belief in the importance of leisure and its effect on improving health and wellbeing.

Jamie Groves, Managing Director of Denbighshire Leisure said “Huw was a popular, kind and trusted man, who wanted the best for everyone in his community and his county. When he was appointed as Lead Member for Leisure, we were beginning a journey with many challenges ahead of us. Without Huw’s commitment and loyalty, many of the achievements we realised would have otherwise been impossible. From my personal point of view, his enthusiasm and his unwavering support will never be forgotten. We feel this is a very fitting tribute for the many years Huw devoted to his local community and his County.”

Councillor Bobby Feeley, Lead Member for Well-being and Independence at Denbighshire County Council, said: “When Huw sadly passed away, his fellow Councillors lost a loyal friend and colleague and his community lost a trusted councillor, who served his residents with integrity and to the absolute best of his ability. Huw had a wide variety of interests and was passionate about many local projects, but sport and leisure was something very close to his heart. We feel renaming Corwen Leisure Centre in his memory, is a very fitting tribute for the many years Huw devoted to his local community.”

The first floor fitness space in Canolfan Hamdden Huw Jones has also been refurbished with a range of new first-class functional equipment installed. This refurbishment will ensure that Corwen residents have the same exceptional standard of equipment that Denbighshire Leisure provides to all its members across the county at all 7 leisure centres.

This project follows on from other recent installations and refurbishments in the Dee valley, including a 3G pitch and new state of art fitness facilities in both Corwen and Llangollen.