New body to run leisure and cultural services in town? (From This Is Cheshire)

New body to run leisure and cultural services in town?

10:00am Wednesday 12th October 2011 in News

COUNCIL leaders will look at a new way to deliver leisure and cultural services in Warrington.

The executive board is set to vote on whether to create two not-for-profit organisations to take over the running of council leisure centres including the new Orford Park Neighbourhood Sports Hub, libraries and cultural services like the Pyramid and Parr Hall as well as Warrington Museum.

It is hoped the new organisations would offer savings of £500,000 while attracting external funding from companies keen to help the community.

If these plans are approved the buildings and assets would remain with the council and a board of trustees, which will include councillors and residents, would be set up to give each organisation its strategic direction.

The day to day management of these services and all current staff who work in them would transfer out of the council’s employment and into that of the two new organisations.

Clr Kate Hannon, executive member for leisure, community and culture at the council said: “Getting this off the ground will require a lot of work but I must stress that we are committed to protecting local jobs and ensuring we continue to deliver quality leisure and cultural services to our residents.”