Company named to run Maldwyn Leisure Centre

A private company operating as a not-for-profit leisure trust is to take over the running of Newtown's Maldwyn Leisure Centre from July, along with Powys County Council's leisure services throughout Powys from July.

The county council named Wealden Leisure Ltd, trading as Freedom Leisure, as the private company to take on leisure services from the council.

The company already runs 32 leisure and sports centres in Sussex, Surrey, Kent and Worcestershire, offering sports and leisure classes within them.

The move comes as part of the county council's attempts to reduce costs.

The move to private operators has had mixed reactions in other parts of the UK, although in the main having a private operator has improved services and facilities in many locations.

Freedom Leisure is a not-for-profit trust which means it reinvests profits back into its business.

Earlier this year it revealed several companies had tendered to take on leisure services and today's announcement names the Wealden Leisure Ltd.

Strategic Director Place, Paul Griffiths said; “I am pleased to announce that Wealden Leisure Limited, trading as Freedom Leisure have been appointed to deliver Leisure Services in the county and have received a conditional award.

“The company will deliver the Leisure Management Contract in partnership with the county council from the 1 July 2015. Further discussions, meetings and completion of documents will be held during the coming weeks in order to formally agree the final detail and for the contract to be signed.”