Council Could Give Cash Support To Leisure Centre Operator

Cash could be given to the operator of Harborough’s Leisure Centres by the Council to help get them back open.

The on-going closures of Harborough Leisure Centre and Lutterworth Sports Centre, enforced four months ago because of the lockdown, has had a significant financial impact on Everyone Active, together with other sites it operates across the country.

Councillors will be asked to give the company financial support when they meet next week, although the amount being considered is not known.

Leisure Centres in England can re-open from Saturday when the latest easing of restrictions happens, but for now Harborough Leisure Centre and Lutterworth Sports Centre will remain shut.

Various measures will have to be put in place before they can reopen, to ensure the facilities can operate safely.

David Bibby, Everyone Active’s Managing Director, said: “The pandemic has undoubtedly had a significant impact on Everyone Active, after all the centres we manage on behalf of local authorities have been forced to remain closed for nearly four months.

“Consequently, we are negotiating with all our local authority partners to find the best way to move forward and the support we have requested as part of our discussions – including those with Harborough District Council – does not go beyond the terms that are detailed within our partnership agreement.”