Somerset Council has stepped in to protect leisure services in the east of the county after operator Fusion Lifestyle went into administration.
It is business as usual for gym and swimming facilities in Frome, Wells, Glastonbury and Street with all continuing to operate for the next three months while a new operator is lined up. The lido in Shepton Mallet is expected to open in May as usual.
Professional services company S&W was appointed as administrator to run Fusion on a temporary basis from 1 April for three months and Somerset Council aims to ensure a new operator will be in place to take over after this interim period.
The key decision to sign the agreement with S&W was based on the vital need to keep centres running for schools and the public, to ensure the health and wellbeing needs of the communities involved continue to be met.
The facilities run by Fusion are:
- Wells Fitness Centre and Pool
- Tor Fitness Centre Glastonbury
- Strode Swimming and Fitness Centre
- Frome Leisure Centre
- Shepton Mallet Lido
Customers and regular members are encouraged to keep using their gym or swimming pool and to maintain memberships which will continue into any new contract period with an alternative operator.
Fusion Lifestyle is a registered charity and runs a significant number of leisure facilities, including swimming pools across the country.
The administrator has met with all Fusion staff at facilities to reassure them that operations are continuing as normal and to outline that the aim will be for most staff to be able to transfer to any new operator.
Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Communities, Housing Revenue Account, Culture and Equalities, Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts said:
“Getting another operator on board to run these facilities is our number one priority; we know how vital they are to communities and schools.
“It’s disappointing that the centres are in this situation, but we have taken swift action to ensure all services will continue to run as normal until a new operator is on board.
“If you are a member or regular user, please do nothing different, keep enjoying the gym, pool or other facilities – it is business as usual.
“We hope to have a seamless transition from administration into a new contract as soon as possible.”
