For months we have been in negotiations with the Council over the future of the Leisure centre.

I can now confirm the way forwards.

The current opening hours will continue past the previous deadline of 1st October to allow time for improvement works to take place.

New opening hours will come into force on 1st November as follows:

Mon-Thur 8.30am-10.30am, 2pm-8pm

Fri 8.30am-10.30am, 2pm-7pm

Sat 9.30am-2.30pm

Sun – closed

This is an increase on the Councils original plans of at least 7 hours per week.

Investment in the Centre:

The Council say they have no money for investment but will be carrying out a full deep clean of the Centre.

Local Lib Dem Councillors from Newton Hall, Mamie Simmons and Amanda Hopgood along with myself have agreed that Neighbourhood budget money can be used to improve the centre. The current conference rooms upstairs will be improved and a new fitness suite with airconditioning, new flooring and extra equipment will be installed, with an aim of this being done before the changes to opening hours.

All along I have believed that we could have continued with the centre being open right through the day, however the Council disagreed. That said, this is far far better than we had originally expected.

I have insisted that an improved youth service is made available in the Newton Hall, Fram Moor, Pity Me and Brasside area as part of the Centre improvements and will commit funding to this once full consultation had happened with local youngsters. We will be making sure that we are part of these discussions too.

Finally, to make sure that everything runs properly and the centre is maintained and improved I have joined the gym/centre – will also help to get me fit.

I would urge local residents to call into the centre to see what is on or visit the Council website at www.durham.gov.uk/sports

I am confident that if we keep a steel eye on this we can make sure the Council sticks to its commitments and that the Centre is improved.

Will update when have anything more.