Fundraiser kicks off moves to reopen leisure centre
A FUNDRAISER has been launched to raise essential funds to reopen a leisure centre.
Necessary repairs and maintenance of Whitworth Leisure Centre must be done before it can reopen.
A Justgiving page with a target of £20,000 has been created to make this happen.
Funds raised will go towards; initial repairs, refurbishment and maintenance of the building, start-up costs of running the facilities, including insurance, staffing, uniforms and ongoing revenue support until the facility reaches previous profit levels.
Rossendale Borough Council (RBC) announced in December 2023 that Whitworth Leisure Centre’s ownership has been transferred to Whitworth Town Council and the venue will be operated locally by Whitworth Leisure Community Interest Company (CIC).
Earlier last year, Rossendale Council announced plans to close the centre following a finance report by independent advisers Grant Thornton. The report said immediate action was needed to address a budget deficit or both the borough council and Rossendale Leisure Trust could be at significant financial risk.
The news of the closure sparked protests and a campaign to find ways to keep it open.
Campaigners said Whitworth’s pool was used by young and old, including for children’s swimming lessons, and vital for health and social reasons. More than 200 frustrated residents also spoke at a public meeting in the summer and grilled councillors about options.
In response a small group of residents formed Whitworth Leisure Centre CIC and after a long battle with Rossendale Borough Council, RBC have transferred ownership to Whitworth Town Council and the CIC have entered into a lease to run the facility. The group is looking for tradespeople and volunteers to help the team repair the facility.
For questions regarding the re-opening of Whitworth Leisure Centre contact whitworth leisure centre2023@outlook.com
To donate, visit the Justgiving page titled ‘We’re raising £20,000 to The Official Fundraiser For Whitworth Leisure Centre.’
To keep up to date visit the Facebook page SAVE Whitworth Leisure centre.