Leisure Centre closure dates confirmed

As a member of Mendip District Council’s Leisure Steering Group last year, I argued for Frome Leisure Centre to be retained and improved, and was pleased to help Mendip secure the future of all its 5 leisure facilities, through a 50 year lease agreement with Fusion Lifestyle. Fusion now plan to undertake £2 million of improvements, and will close the Centre to the public on 19^th October until mid-January to do the work. They recently agreed that sports clubs and the College can retain access, which I welcome.

The bowls hall will be converted into fitness studios and a large gym, and new and refurbished changing rooms, a new café / soft play area, and an extended reception area will be provided. Fusion state that these changes will make the centre more financially self-sufficient, and should lead to more improvements in future. However the new more commercial approach means indoor bowls will no longer be played (with Fusion compensating club members) and there are new arrangements for children’s swimming lessons. Also, the October ‘Customer Forum’ meeting has been cancelled as it was scheduled to be held when the works are now taking place. Please see here for previous news on all this, here for Q&A, and here for Fusion’s website.

Improving sports and leisure

I am taking part in the Town Council’s new Sports and Leisure Panel which aims to improve sports facilities across Frome. At the last meeting, in September, we agreed an audit would be undertaken to assess the sports facilities Frome has and needs. Then a Frome Sports Strategy will be prepared to improve facilities, share them better, and improve participation. I hope to help by linking in with Mendip and Fusion on this. Please contact me and come along to the next Panel meeting on 6th October – everyone is welcome.