Chief ‘cannot wait’ to get started with new set-up
ROSSENDALE’S leisure chief says he “cannot wait” to get started on new partnerships following the leisure facilities shake up.
In a statement CEO
Ken Masser said: “The trust articulated by councillors, in Rossendale Leisure Trust, was really positive to hear and as a team we really value that.
“After a challenging period, there is a great deal to be excited and energized by – for RLT this is our partnerships with CLAW and The Whitaker, and importantly, welcoming customers back into sites and services. I and the teams, cannot wait.”
Mr Masser noted that challenging decisions were made by councillors, and acknowledged that the merger programme was “sensitive”. However, he said those decisions were needed to ensure the future viability of public leisure and culture services in the borough by building organisational resilience and sustainability.
“CLAW, RLT and The Whitaker play important roles in supporting local people, and we can all be more confident about the future,” said Mr Masser.
“We want to build from the incredible hard work that past and present CLAW trustees have given to secure the current position of the facilities. Securing, developing and sustaining the future of the Riverside and
Whitworth Leisure Centre is our prime focus, in partnership with the Whitworth community.
“The support we have received from the council is incredibly welcome and vital.”
The current financial year has been challenging due to the impact of Covid-19 on services across the borough, as well as the impact on people’s health and wellbeing. This is why Mr Masser feels that access to accessible and inclusive public leisure and culture services “will be vital to rebuilding community and personal resilience, both physically and mentally.”
The programme will also see The Whitaker merge with RLT, while remaining its own legal entity.
Mr Masser noted the power of connected services, adding: “Integrating physical activity, cultural experiences and activities will only strengthen the borough’s support for people’s health and well-being. This is why we are excited by this partnership with the Whitaker Board.”
Currently, all attention is on reopening facilities and services, and remaining ‘Covid Secure’. RLT and CLAW are working together to reopen the facilities as per government guidelines, and The Whitaker is preparing for a grand reopening in the summer.