Decision Looms On Future Of Leisure Services

THE fate of a key council service will be determined next week when councillors decide whether or not to hand over the management of sport centres and leisure facilities to the private sector.

If agreed, Epping Forest Council will enter into negotiations with preferred bidder Sports and Leisure Management to decide staffing, investment and improvement proposals.

Although the company plans to plough hundreds of thousands of pounds into centres - including £20,000 worth of information technology improvements at Epping Sport Centre, in Hemnall Street - it also wants to cut staffing levels at Epping and Loughton by a total of 125 hours per week, a move which has concerned union representatives.

But a report by leisure portfolio-holder Chris Whitbread (Con) due before EFDC's full council on Tuesday states anxieties about staffing will be addressed through negotiation if the shift to the private sector is accepted.

The council's cabinet agreed last Monday to recommend opening negotiations with the firm after discussing a report evaluating management options for leisure services.

At the meeting, Anne Haigh (Lib Dem) urged members to consider the council's position thoroughly because the element of risk involved needed further deliberation.

"I really do think that we need to look at this most carefully," she said. "I've read this report and what it is saying to me is 'caution'."

On Monday, leader John Knapman (Ind) said councillors should take into account the financial gains of external management.

He said funding can be switched from leisure to other services which the authority has a statutory duty to provide.

"If we are to take a long-term view of the financial implications of trying to operate up to five leisure centres, then council must give consideration to the cabinet view on this matter," he said.

"It's important that the council is satisfied that SLM will provide the quality of service demanded."

Mr Whitbread said yesterday (Wednesday): "I see the proposed alternative management of our sports centres as a positive step.

"No change in how we provide leisure services isn't an option. Indeed, those supporting that position are really blocking investment in the facilities and placing an increased strain on the council's budget, as has been the case in recent years."