Sandwell Leisure Trust's 700k income boost despite council funding dispute

The trust, which runs nine leisure centres across Sandwell, saw its income increase by £693,500 from 2015 to 2016 compared to the previous year.

Its future was thrown into doubt in February after the trust failed to agree new business terms with the council.

Since then, both parties have held 'high-level talks', according to council leader Steve Eling, to agree on a new contract.

But despite the uncertainty, the trust says it achieved a successful year from 2015 to 2016.

Lynda Bateman, Chair of the Board for Sandwell Leisure Trust, said: "We are delighted to report on another successful year in a competitive market with challenging local demographics. SLT continues to exceed targets, invest in the facilities we manage and increase attendances. Consequently, the board is committed to providing excellent, award winning services in Sandwell and delivering great customer service is the top priority for our staff."

The trust set up in 2004 and has been paid more than £42 million by the council in that time. The latest review was published in September.

It showed attendances to its nine sport and leisure centres rose by 26,085 in 2015/16 to 1.83million.

SLT membership also increased by 8,500 last year to nearly 50,000, which was a 21 per cent increase from the year before.

More than 5,000 signed a petition in July to save Sandwell Leisure Trust, meaning it had to be discussed by councillors.

The dispute over the contract between the parties has not yet been resolved. The dispute centres on the funding the trust receives from the council for its management.

Councillor Steve Eling said in July he hoped 'real progress' could be made in the talks and an agreement could be reached.

Speaking after the latest review, Councillor Richard Marshall, Sandwell Council's cabinet member for leisure, said: "

Talks are ongoing. We still want to work with SLT, but we have to reach an agreement."