Leisure Review - good news for pool users

Date published: 01/12/2009

A new swimming pool for Haslingden has been identified as a preferred option in Rossendale’s Culture and Leisure Review published today. Option 1 in the review also recommends that the pool at Marl Pits is retained.

The review recommends that a private investor should be found to fund improvements at Ski Rossendale and that the Community Leisure Association of Whitworth and Rossendale Council develop a long term strategy for Whitworth Pool and the Riverside civic hall.

Appropriate management and staffing arrangements will need to be implemented for leisure services in Rossendale and all publically funded sports and leisure facilities in the borough will continue to have a focus on increasing participation in physical activity whilst maximising their income and achieving the highest possible levels of efficiency.

The review suggests that support from the private sector may help to boost income at the Riverside in Whitworth and that both leisure trusts in Rossendale need to ensure that they have the right mix of skilled and knowledgeable people to drive them forward.

A Cabinet report to accompany the publication of the Leisure Review recommends that Full Council will need to consider making provision for transitional funding at its budget setting meeting in February until the recommendations set out in the Leisure Review can be fully implemented.

Rossendale Leisure Trust will continue to deliver sports development on behalf of the Council but as part of the work to develop a Cultural Strategy in Rossendale, the responsibility for arts development may return to the Council.

Cllr. Jason Gledhill, Rossendale Council Portfolio Holder for Leisure said:

““We have listened very carefully to what local people have said about wanting a new pool in Haslingden and the pool at Marl Pits to stay open. As a result of this Leisure Review we can see a way forward to delivering better leisure facilities in Rossendale.

“We recognise the importance of accessible leisure and cultural facilities in achieving a healthy lifestyle, bringing people together and residents feeling satisfied with Rossendale as a place to live. We want Rossendale to be one of the most physically active communities in the UK and are committed to providing a good range of accessible sport, leisure and community facilities in the borough.

“The review pulls no punches in setting out the significant challenges ahead at a time when council funding is being squeezed and income is down but I am delighted that we a commitment from our partners in Rossendale Leisure Trust and the Community Leisure Association of Whitworth to deliver sustainable facilities in the borough.

“Unfortunately there are no quick, easy or painless solutions. The Bacup Leisure Hall steering group have had limited interest in a community takeover of the hall and further work will be needed to find a leisure based solution to prevent future closure.”

“All publicly funded leisure facilities in Rossendale will have to generate new income and become more efficient. We also want the community to get behind the local facilities and support them.”

Leisure Trust Chairman, Norman Hauserman commented:

“The review provides a clear way forward for leisure facilities in Rossendale and Rossendale Leisure Trust is delighted that we will play a key part in delivering the improvements that are required. We now have good working relationships with the Council and will be working with the Council and the Community Leisure Association of Whitworth to face the challenges ahead and make the changes that are required.”

Alan Billingsley of the Community Leisure Association of Whitworth added:

“The Leisure Review says that CLAW is one of the best examples of a community run leisure trust that the consultants have seen. That is a testament to the good work we have done since taking on responsibility for running Whitworth Pool. However the report shows that we cannot be complacent and we will work with the Council and Rossendale Leisure Trust to ensure that we can deliver safe and sustainable leisure facilities in Whitworth.

Responding to the proposals set out in the leisure report, Barbara Hargreaves from the Pool Group, established as part of the Leisure Review, said:

“We are pleased that Option One in the Leisure Review is recommending a new pool in Haslingden. We want to continue to be fully involved and consulted on the design of the new pool and will continue to meet until the new pool is opened. We are very clear in our position that the current pool in Haslingden should not close until the new pool opens.”

The Council has asked the Leisure Review’s consultant, KKP to work with the pool group to prepare a robust business case for the new pool. This will form part of the budget proposals taken to Full Council in February 2010.

Links to the full copy of the Leisure Review the accompanying Cabinet report are available at www.rossendale.gov.uk/2009Leisurereview