East Riding leisure centres could cut opening hours
It's when visitor numbers are low and amid mounting cost pressures
East Riding leisure centres could start closing earlier, the council portfolio holder in charge of them has said.
East Riding Council’s Culture and Leisure Portfolio Holder Cllr Mike Medini said there were no plans to close any leisure centres but some could shut earlier when visitor numbers are low.
The portfolio holder added the authority was doing everything it could to lessen the impact on leisure services after councils elsewhere had cut them back.
A full meeting of East Riding Council also saw Council Leader Cllr Jonathan Owen say some serious decisions around spending lay ahead amid mounting financial uncertainty.
The leader said senior councillors were currently in talks with officers about its budget position going forward amid a widening hole in the authority’s finances.
He added rising energy costs and high pay settlements were among the factors driving up spending as inflation continues to climb and the cost of living crisis deepens.
Cllr Medini said leisure centres’ important role in helping communities mattered more than ever given the current climate.
But he added the council was looking at scaling opening hours back.
The portfolio holder said: “I’d like to reassure residents, visitors and businesses that there are no plans to close leisure centres.
“But we are looking at closing some pools a few minutes early late at night when there’s very little demand.
“Our approach is to regularly review and we’re doing everything we can to reduce the impact on centres.
“Leisure centres play a vital role in supporting communities, they help in the council’s prevention and early intervention approach to health and they help improve quality of life.
“There’s never been a more important time to support communities.”