5,000 sign petition to save Sandwell leisure centres

Sandwell Leisure Trust could lose its contract if it fails to reach an agreement with the council, it has emerged.

It has been paid more than £42 million by the council since 2004 to operate sites including leisure centres at Wednesbury, Tipton and Haden Hill.

But the two parties have failed to see eye-to-eye over a new business plan for 2016/17 onwards. The disagreement centres on the level of management subsidy required of the council to support the trust.

Negotiations are on-going but council documents state 'alternative delivery options' could be considered if a deal is not agreed.

The uncertainty prompted union bosses to start a petition to 'save' Sandwell Leisure Trust. It has been signed by more than 5,000 people meaning it will be discussed by councillors on Tuesday.

Responding to the concerns, Council leader Steve Eling said he would be meeting with bosses at the trust next week and he did not envisage it folding.

He added: "Unfortunately cuts to local authorities are not going away. For us providing a good service which meets local needs is the number one driving force.

"I am quite optimistic the trust can be part of that. I don't see why they can't.

"Hopefully we will be able to make an announcement in the not too distant future. In the interim everything caries on as it is. Nothing is under immediate threat."

The trust, which was set up by the council, maintains Brandhall Golf Course, Haden Hill Leisure Centre, Hadley Stadium, Harry Mitchell Leisure Centre, Langley Swimming Centre, Portway Lifestyle Centre, Smethwick Swimming Centre, Tipton Leisure Centre, Tipton Sports Academy and Wednesbury Leisure Centre.

West Bromwich Leisure Centre, which opened in 2014, is run by Places for People.

Councillor Richard Marshall, cabinet member for leisure said: "We are currently still negotiating with the SLT board in good faith to reach an agreement on the business plan.

"In these difficult financial times we are looking at how we can best provide sustainable sport and leisure facilities in Sandwell in order to meet the savings set out by government.

"We value the service and commitment of frontline staff at SLT and the unique opportunities they provide for local people in partnership with Sandwell Council.

Sandwell Council remains fully committed to providing high-quality sport and leisure facilities for all our residents in Sandwell."