County Council to investigate leisure options

The Isle of Anglesey County Council on Tuesday (September 15th), voted to carry out a full and detailed investigation of all its leisure centres.

Members agreed that no leisure centre would close until the investigations had been concluded, with officers given until January 2011 to complete the work.

Speaking after the meeting, Council Leader Councillor Clive McGregor, said, "Public finances across the whole of the UK are currently under extreme pressure and Anglesey, like most Welsh authorities, expects a very poor financial settlement once again from the Welsh Assembly Government in 2010."

"This Authority faces significant financial challenges over the next few years and we will have to make many difficult decisions regarding service priorities."

"Our duty, first and foremost, must be to protect statutory services, such as Social Services, which serve many of the most vulnerable in our community. In light of a dwindling public purse we sadly have no option but to consider reducing non-statutory services like leisure."

He added, "There is, however, obviously a great strength of feeling across the Island in respect of leisure provision. It is therefore vital that we have all the relevant information before making any final decision in relation to potential closures."

The investigation will look at all leisure centres on Anglesey, and will include a review of staff and maintenance costs; a full report on the structural condition of the buildings, consultation with staff and general public; feedback regarding the willingness of the voluntary or private sector to take these centres on and the financial implications of promoting any transfer.

This must be completed by January 2011 in order that the Authority can meet the financial targets of the 2011/12 budget.