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HomeDorset EastMeeting to discuss future management of leisure facilities in Verwood

Meeting to discuss future management of leisure facilities in Verwood

An Extraordinary General Meeting is being held on 30 June at The Verwood Hub to discuss the transfer of future management responsibilities for leisure facilities in Verwood from Verwood Arts and Leisure Amenities (VALA) to East Dorset District Council.

In recent months, the trustees of VALA have been in discussion with the council to agree the future management of the facilities in Verwood currently managed by VALA.

Christchurch and East Dorset Councils have been carrying out a review of all of their leisure services with a view to bringing together the management of facilities at Queen Elizabeth Leisure Centre in Wimborne and Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre in Christchurch under a single management structure and with a common standard of service and single brand.

In February East Dorset District Council’s Resources Committee agreed that it would be sensible for sports and leisure facilities at Verwood Hub and Verwood Community Sports Hall to also become part of that review.

Rather than paying an annual grant to VALA it was decided that the council would seek to run the facilities directly. The Verwood facilities offer the chance for local people to access sports, leisure and community opportunities on the doorstep and it is the intention that these services will continue but with the added benefit of greater resilience and expertise in the wider management structure.

The meeting on 30 June will formally ask members of VALA to agree to the surrender of all the assets and liabilities of VALA to East Dorset District Council with effect from 1 July 2014.

Judith Plumley, Head of Community & Leisure at East Dorset District Council, said: “We believe that it makes sense, both practically and economically, for this to happen. The health and well-being of our residents is high on the Council’s agenda and by bringing these facilities in-house, rather than having the uncertainty of an annual grant to VALA, the council will secure the future for them.”

“The council will continue to provide the facilities in Verwood, with the emphasis on the local community as well as high quality sporting provision.”

Mike Fry, Chairman of VALA, said: “If the transfer is approved, then both the VALA trustees and the council will ensure that the transition during the handover will be seamless for the users of Verwood Hub and Verwood Community Sports Hall.

“The current VALA staff will transfer to be employed by the council under their existing terms and conditions.” 

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