Future for Bridgnorth centre put on agenda

Bridgnorth Endowed's recent change to academy status has seen the school obtain a 125-year lease of the land and buildings.

Governors have said they are committed to ensuring the centre continues to be used by the community.

Residents will hear about the future of the facility on February 26, from 6pm, in the Endowed School's Old Hall building.

Governor Rob Willoughby said: "Governors of the school are committed to the community use of the school's leisure facilities and are seeking to improve the joint use for the benefit of all. To devise a clear and appropriate development plan the governors need to understand the needs of the community."

Mr Willoughby said the move would also make it easier to make bids to charities, the National Lottery and Sport England, so that new developments and remedial work to the centre can be undertaken.

"In the next few years there will also be the opportunity to explore new management for the centre as Shropshire Council has indicated it does not want to manage the facility in the longer term," he said.

Shropshire Council recently revealed the management of leisure centres across Shropshire was likely to be outsourced to private firms in a bid to save the authority more than £550,000.

The plan is being considered as part of attempts for the authority to save £80 million in the next three years. The council is responsible for 24 sites in the county.

The leisure centre includes a four-lane swimming pool, four squash courts, a fitness suite, and outdoor all-weather pitch which plays host to Bridgnorth Hockey Club among others and a sports hall.

It is the base for many local sporting organisations including Northgate Swimming Club and Excalibur Martial Arts club.

Governors first met with representatives of clubs and societies at the start of February to discuss the future of the centre.

Out of school hours the centre was managed on behalf of the governors by Shropshire Leisure Services, before the council revealed it wished to end its involvement and hand over all responsibility to the school.

Governors started establishing a partnership with the clubs, societies and the wider community to support and develop the facilities for the benefit of the school and the town, during a meeting on February 3.

Plans are also in the pipeline to bid for grants to bring the building up to standard.

The leisure is also home to Shropshire Swim Academy , which includes comprehensive Learn to Swim Programme for beginners and early years.

Half term swimming lessons will take place at the centre throughout half term

Bridgnorth Musical Theatre Company uses the venue for its annual production and will perform Me and My Girl at centre this week.

To hear more about plans for the leisure centre contact Sue Underhill at Bridgnorth Endowed School on (01746) 762103.