Campaign to save Somerset leisure centres in adminstration

MP for Wells and Mendip Hills, Tessa Munt, is campaigning for Shepton Mallet Lido and Wells Leisure Centre to both continue to operate.

Somerset Council have stepped in to run both sites temporarily, but according to Tessa Munt, the race is on to find a long-term, sustainable solution to keep the sites open.

According to the council, it is 'business as usual' for both gym and swimming facilities, alongside those in Frome, Glastonbury and Street, with all continuing to operate for the next three months while a new operator is lined up.

The Lido in Shepton Mallet is expected to open in May as usual, the council said.

Professional services company S&W was appointed as administrator to run Fusion temporarily from April 1 for three months, and Somerset Council aims to ensure a new operator will be in place to take over after this interim period.

The administrator has met with all Fusion staff at facilities to reassure them that operations are continuing as normal and to outline that the aim will be for most staff to be able to transfer to any new operator.

The council said the key decision to sign the agreement was based on the 'vital need' to keep centres running for schools and the public, to ensure the health and well-being needs of the communities involved continue to be met.

All the facilities run by Fusion are the Wells Fitness Centre and Pool, Tor Fitness Centre, Glastonbury, Strode Swimming and Fitness Centre, Frome Leisure Centre, and Shepton Mallet Lido.

Customers and regular members are encouraged to keep using their gym or swimming pool and to maintain memberships, which will continue into any new contract period with an alternative operator.

MP Tessa Munt said each Somerset facility is an 'important asset' and 'employer' in the community, and that it is 'incredibly important' that a solution is found.

She has been working alongside MPs in Frome, Glastonbury and Street and the Somerset Council to 'find a way forward' for each community facility.

Entrance to Shepton Mallet Lido on Shaftgate Avenue in Shepton Mallet (Image: Google Maps)

Tessa Munt MP at Shepton Mallet Lido. (Image: Tim Gander)

Tessa Munt said: “These facilities are important assets and employers in our communities, and I am pleased that Somerset Council has stepped in to provide vital short-term support.  It is incredibly important that a solution is found to ensure they continue to serve future generations of residents.”

“I am working hard alongside my colleagues Sarah Dyke, MP for Glastonbury and Somerton, and Anna Sabine, MP for Frome and East Somerset, to find a way forward.”

Somerset Council’s lead member for communities, housing revenue account, culture and equalities, Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts, said: "Getting another operator on board to run these facilities is our number one priority; we know how vital they are to communities and schools.

"It’s disappointing that the centres are in this situation, but we have taken swift action to ensure all services will continue to run as normal until a new operator is on board.

"If you are a member or regular user, please do nothing different, keep enjoying the gym, pool or other facilities – it is business as usual.

"We hope to have a seamless transition from administration into a new contract as soon as possible."

Now, residents in Wells and Mendip Hills are invited to share their views on the future of Wells Leisure Centre and Shepton Mallet Lido via tessa.munt.mp@parliament.uk