Leisure reopening a success thanks to subsidy
On 12 April 2021 the Forest of Dean’s leisure centres, operated by Freedom Leisure, reopened successfully. Residents can now enjoy the services on offer and return to exercise in the centres.
As part of the National Leisure Recovery Fund the Forest of Dean District Council received £181,672.
Cabinet agreed on 8 April 2021 to:
- Take a phased, risk based approach to reopening leisure facilities in order to manage the financial impact on the Council.
- Agreed to subsidise Freedom Leisure up to a maximum of £596,744 for financial year 2021 / 2022. This is seen as the worst case cost scenario.
Andrew Knott, Chief Finance Officer said: “Following the successful application to the National Leisure Recovery Fund, receiving an additional £181k, alongside the Central Government COVID funding, the Council has been able to put together a package with Freedom Leisure to ensure that the leisure centres have been able to reopen.
“This is in line with the national reopening roadmap, in a safe and COVID secure manner, and at the earliest opportunity possible. It is hoped that local residents will now take up the opportunity to use the facilities across the District to ensure that these are successful into the future. I look forward to going back for a gym session this week as I know many others do.”