Two leisure centres in Lincoln close with 'immediate effect'
The charity that runs them ceased trading
City of Lincoln Council have confirmed two public leisure centres in Lincoln have closed after the charity that runs them ceased trading.
It's reported that Active Nation confirmed the closure of the Yarborough and Birchwood leisure centres in an email to members on Wednesday night (2 April).
The operator says that rising costs and the financial climate have made it impossible to continue.
The City of Lincoln Council, which owns both buildings, said it was now "assessing available options".
Simon Walters, Strategic Director of Communities and Environment at City of Lincoln Council, said:
"We are sorry to learn that Active Nation has ceased trading with immediate effect.
"Active Nation was responsible for operating two leisure centres in our buildings at Yarborough and Birchwood. Their announcement will no doubt cause considerable concern to users of those two facilities, and of course to the staff employed in them.
"We know that staff have worked incredibly hard to try to keep facilities running during some very tough trading conditions in the leisure industry, and we'd like to express our sympathies to everyone who will be in any way affected by Active Nation’s announcement.
"This is a very sad development, and we would advise all Active Nation customers with pre-paid memberships to contact their bank, card provider or the liquidator/administrator once appointed.
"The city council is now in the process of repossessing our buildings and assessing our available options."
In a statement to members, Active Nation said: “Due to the ongoing utility crisis and the challenges it has created, Active Nation has made the difficult decision to close Yarborough Leisure Centre and the Birchwood Leisure Centre, effective Wednesday, April 2
“After discussion with the City of Lincoln Council, we regret to inform you that no alternative providers have been identified for transferring services, which means the centres will remain closed for the foreseeable future.
“We are deeply disappointed by this outcome and would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to all Lincoln residents for your support since 2007.
“It has been an honour to serve this community, and we are truly grateful for the trust and loyalty you have shown us over the years.
“Once again, thank you for being such an integral part of our journey.”