Council confirms Catmose Sports Centre will close
The leisure sector is facing pressure because of the impact of COVID and the rising cost of energy, according to Rutland County Council
Last updated 27th Jan 2023
Rutland County Council's announced public access to Catmose Sports Centre in Oakham is going to end this Spring.
That's because the current contact runs out at the end of March and - despite seeking a successor since April of last year - none have come forward.
"Rutland County Council is facing the same kind of pressure and our financial position is extremely challenging"
Councillor Marc Oxley, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “The search for an operator to run Catmose Sports Centre has been extremely difficult."
"Although we’ve had a successful contract in place with our current provider for many years, the leisure sector is facing untold pressure because of the impact of COVID and the rising cost of energy, which is pushing utility bills through the roof.
"In this context, it's believed that up to 40% of Council areas are now at risk of losing leisure centres or needing to reduce their leisure services.
"Rutland County Council is facing the same kind of pressure and our financial position is extremely challenging, as we work to close a sizeable funding gap caused by 10% inflation and increased demand for services.
"This is not a decision we wanted to make and we understand the impact it will have on people who currently use the centre. Sadly, in the absence of a commercial operator who can run a viable leisure service, the Council is left with very little choice.”