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Nov 5 2008 by Sam Wood, The Journal

Leisure centre in hands of council

A NORTHUMBERLAND leisure centre has been temporarily placed in the hands of the local council after the contractors pulled out.

Berwick’s Swan Centre for Leisure has been run by contractor Leisure Connection for the borough council for a number of years.

Recently the council has been seeking a new contractor and Leisure Connection has been employed on a month by month basis.

It has now opted to pull out as of November 1, meaning the centre is being run by the council until a replacement contractor is found.

Director of regeneration and development Shona Alexander said: "The council has been procuring a new contract over the last 12 months and we hope this can be shortly agreed.

"Negotiations are progressing well, but our current contractor Leisure Connection has now pulled out at very short notice.

"The council has taken over managing the centre as a temporary arrangement.

"We are contacting all centre users to reassure them about the management change.

"The only difference is that members of Harpers Gym have been advised not to make any further payments to Leisure Connection.

"If you are concerned about this, contact the Swan Centre on 01289 330603 and the team will advise you on the interim arrangements."