New figures find more Fife folks fans of keep-fit

MORE Fifers appear to be aiming for healthier and more active lifestyles, according to Fife Sports and Leisure Trust’s annual report.

New figures have revealed that attendances at the region’s sport and leisure centres rose by 2.4% to 2,673,064 i n 2015/16, while income per head also increased from £3.15 to £3.26 in the same period.

T h e M i ch a e l Wo o d s Sports and Leisure Centre in Glenrothes was also identified as the best-performing facility in Fife.

And 36,869 attendances were recorded at health and physical activity classes across the region — an increase of 21% on l ast year’s figure.

Councillors on Fife’s education, health and social care scrutiny committee were briefed on the trust’s performance over the past 12 months, with committee chairwoman councillor Susan Leslie describing the report as “really positive”. “The trust has delivered a strong set of results with costs down, income up and overall attendances having increased, despite the lengthy closure of Bowhill Swimming Pool,” she said.

“It is encouraging to see the continued popularity of the Leisure Active membership scheme, which provides affordable access to sport and leisure in Fife.

“The range of specialist programmes now offered to develop physical activity opportunities is excellent.

“The popularity of outdoor facilities continues and the opening of Lumphinnans Sports Hub has seen the continued growth of the football development programme.”

The annual report confirmed £8.72 million income had been generated in the last year, an increase of 6%, with 11,536 customers now part of the Leisure Active membership scheme.