Around 150 people attended the meeting in the sports centre, which was organised by Leeds City Council to allow residents and the centre's users to have their say on its future.
A few weeks ago it was revealed that as part of the next stage of the b
idding process for credits of up to £30m through the Private Finance Initiative to spend on improving leisure centres in Leeds, Morley had been identified as a possible centre which could see a major new building project take place.
If the scheme goes through the council would have two options - to build the new leisure centre on the skate park next to the present building before its demolition or to demolish the current centre and then build on the original site. The latter option would see Morley without a sports centre for up to 12 months.
But the plans have been met with anger and concern from residents who are worried what effect the downsizing of the sports centre would have.
Certain rumours that have been circulating around the town, such as that the centre would have no swimming pool, were denied by Leeds City Council officials.
But, due to financial restrictions, the centre will have no bar or squash courts and many at the meeting voiced grave concerns as to what other facilities the centre would lack.
However, councillors and officers have embarked on a full consultation process and have vowed that the people of Morley will have the final say on the centre's future.
Outline planning permission for the centre must be submitted by June 30.
Leeds City Council's sports development officer, Mark Almond, told the meeting the sports centre was currently running at a loss of over £300,000 a year and if this plan did not go ahead there would be no further funding available, adding that it would be "foolish" to lose the opportunity.
"If you do not go ahead with this plan there will be no other cash available. This is it. This has to be at the back of our minds. I would hate Morley to miss out on this chance," he said.
"The implication of not investing in Morley does not really bear thinking about because I really do not know where else funding will come from.
"We are at the very, very beginning of the process here, nothing has been decided and you have a genuine chance to influence things."
One concerned parent speaking on behalf of others said: "Without this place we will not have anywhere to take our children. It's the hub of the community. I understand it's falling to bits and I understand we need a new one, but we need the same facilities."
Lynne Naylor, a former assistant manager at the centre, said she knew a new building was needed.
"I would make sure it's built to be sustainable, using modern technology to cut down the costs of running the sports centre. A lot of the costs could be cut but you must be able to maintain it properly."
One of the most vociferous voices against the plans came from the president of Morley Swim Club, Gareth Twohey, who claimed the group would not exist in five years time if the new sports centre plans went ahead.
"The fact is they are going to provide one less sports hall and no bar, which is an important part of the community spirit and they are wanting to destroy that. This sports centre was built for the people of Morley," he said.
"Morley has grown to such a size in the past 10 years and they have not made the sports centre bigger. We'll have got a bigger town with a smaller facility. Does that make sense to you? Because it doesn't make sense to me!"
Morley town councillor Joe Tetley said: "Morley is getting housing estate after housing estate yet we are talking about downsizing.
"I have heard there will be no bar, no cafe and no squash courts. This is one of the most well supported sports centre in the areas. Where's the sense in that?"
Coun Robert Finnigan (MBI, Morley North) said councillors and officers had worked hard to make sure Morley was in with a chance of getting any money for the sports centre but now was the time to get the people of Morley directly involved.
"We all want a new sports centre but we need to decide first of all do you want this cash because if not the government will give the money somewhere else.
"We need to act now to see how we are going to move this thing forward. We need to all get together and sit down and discuss what we want together. It's important we come up with a plan.
"Let's not be too negative at this stage. If we need more money we will go back and lobby government for more money. This is a real opportunity for Morley. It's not all negative.
"If this sports centre shuts permanently I will resign and so will my party colleagues and I will put £100 down now that Morley Swim Club will still be here in five years' time."
A vote taken at the meeting showed overwhelmingly that those in attendance would only support proposals if the current sports centre was kept open while a new centre was built.
Coun Terry Grayshon (MBI, Morley South) has volunteered to set up a working group of interested parties to discuss which direction the plans should now take.
Anyone interested in becoming directly involved can contact him at Morley Town Hall on 0113 2348080.
Consultation forms available at the meeting to fill in will also be available from the reception of Morley Sports and Leisure Centre. All forms can be returned for Coun Grayshon's attention at the town hall.
Alternatively people can email queries and comments to LSP.B&SD@leeds.gov.uk
* What are your views on the future of Morley Sports and Leisure Centre? We want to hear from you. Email us at editorial@morleytoday.co.uk
