I have arranged a meeting this week between the Director of Neighbourhoods, myself and Newton Hall councillors and the head of the Steering group which bid for Abbey, to discuss what we see as the requirements for Abbey Leisure Centre. Going forward we want to see if the changes to opening hours can be kept to a minimum. I also want to see the council promote the centre more, help us install a youth gym facility, upgrade the conference facilities, install solar panels to cut costs and Co2 emissions and help address a number of other problems at the centre.

To find out what you can do at the centre in the coming months visit: www.durham.gov.uk/sports