Leisure in Wyre set for investment

Initial findings of the review carried out by consultants Max Associates, are that there is sufficient demand to improve the facilities and services currently on offer.

Leader of Wyre Council, Councillor Peter Gibson, said: "The review has revealed that demand for leisure facilities in Wyre is high and that there are opportunities to develop the service.

"Although we don't have final details yet, the purpose of the review was not to reduce leisure services but to determine the best way to deliver them, and I'm pleased that we can now move forward with identifying how we're going to do this.

"Having said that, I'm sure residents will understand the need to ensure that we come up with sustainable proposals and invest wisely.

"We now intend to carry out condition surveys to ensure that our existing leisure centres are structurally sound prior to investing money into them. Max Associates will also provide detailed business plans as part of their final report, so we can be clear on the level of investment required.

"We've also found that people have different requirements from town to town, so we will be looking at tailoring facilities to meet the needs of each community.

"I appreciate the patience of residents and elected members during this process, and ask that they please bear with us as it continues. This is a critical piece of work that we want to get absolutely right, to ensure that future leisure provision meets the needs of our residents and represents value for money."

"It is unfortunate that certain quarters have reported inaccurate information on this issue causing unnecessary worry to some residents, as the emerging evidence paints a completely different picture. Residents can be reassured that we are committed to providing a quality leisure service that benefits everyone in Wyre."

Final proposals are expected at the end of summer and will be subject to a public consultation.