I spent several hours with Council officers, fellow councillor Mamie Simmons and Steering group Chair Peter Hall discussing the future of the centre on Friday afternoon.

A whole range of issues were discussed ranging from opening hours through to investment. We have some clear commitments from the Council to improving the centre but also the recognition that this must be done whilst making the centre cost neutral.

I am hopeful that the centre will not need to close for as many hours as some have talked of, however the council is still looking at proposals following our input, to try and reduce the effects on the centre.

The meeting at Abbey for users and members of the local community on Aug 31st is still set to go ahead, when a full proposal is due to be explained.

Whilst the Council needs to same £100,000 a year and clearly this will impact on opening hours, I am certain that this can be done without seriously damaging the offer for off-peak users – as has previously been implied in the press.

If you are not a member and want to see the current facilities and try them out, you can join for six weeks for just £28, any time upto the 4th September.

So in brief we are pushing for maximum number of possible opening hours, improved facilities including for young people, commitment to cutting overheads and ensuring any investment from Councillors local budgets gets value for money, and a long term commitment to the centre.

I am also still seeking to ensure that the covenant is honoured and looking at finding out what has been discussed by the council so far.