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the funk · 03-08-2007, 15:05

Free swimming and free use of playing fields was health money which was given to the Council as this area is an area with poor health. Couple of months before an election PB and his cronies decide they need some positive news in the press and in the usual shortsighted way chuck that money to get kids swimming. Great for kids and families during the holidays but the fact the money was only committed for 1 year it probably means that in April 08 the free use will stop and the prices will revert back to what they were, but with an inflationary increase.

Leisure Trust is under-funded from HBC but has too small a portfolio to make it work with 2 ageing centres and a few old community buildings. Authorities generally enter into trust arrangements to generate savings which can be re-invested into the facilities, but I would doubt this has happened in this case, however Pendle operate their Leisure facilities through a Trust and they don't seem to be doing so badly.

Looking at the state of Hyndburn Sports Centre, we would be best served knocking it down, selling the land, and giving everyone a free bus pass to go and use facilities in Blackburn or Burnley!!!

03-08-2007, 15:05	#3
the funk Junior Member+ Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 8 Liked: 0 times Rep Power: 0	Re: Leisure Trust Folds with £250k debts. Free swimming and free use of playing fields was health money which was given to the Council as this area is an area with poor health. Couple of months before an election PB and his cronies decide they need some positive news in the press and in the usual shortsighted way chuck that money to get kids swimming. Great for kids and families during the holidays but the fact the money was only committed for 1 year it probably means that in April 08 the free use will stop and the prices will revert back to what they were, but with an inflationary increase. Leisure Trust is under-funded from HBC but has too small a portfolio to make it work with 2 ageing centres and a few old community buildings. Authorities generally enter into trust arrangements to generate savings which can be re-invested into the facilities, but I would doubt this has happened in this case, however Pendle operate their Leisure facilities through a Trust and they don't seem to be doing so badly. Looking at the state of Hyndburn Sports Centre, we would be best served knocking it down, selling the land, and giving everyone a free bus pass to go and use facilities in Blackburn or Burnley!!!