Suspended sports centre boss resigns

Mar 13 2008 by Sam Casey, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

THE boss of Huddersfield sports centres quit after being suspended over rumours he abused his position.

Now Kirklees Active Leisure (KAL), which runs 10 centres and swimming pools in the district, is looking for a new £50,000-a-year chief executive to replace Terry Meehan.

As reported in the Examiner last November, Mr Meehan was believed to have been suspended. The suspension was believed to over perks of the job, including trips.

At the time KAL refused to confirm or deny he had been suspended, or if it was looking into the allegations.

It has now emerged Mr Meehan then resigned on Christmas Eve.

But mystery continues to surround what happened, as all parties have refused to give any official reason for his departure.

When contacted by the Examiner at his Birkby home yesterday, the ex-chief executive declined to answer questions about why he left.

A spokeswoman for KAL would only say: “Terry Meehan resigned his position on December 24. There is no ongoing investigation.”

A spokesman for Kirklees Council, which is partly responsible for funding KAL, told the Examiner: “We did not comment on your speculative ‘fishing’ story of last November, and don’t intend doing so now.”

A source said KAL staff were told Mr Meehan had left so he could “pursue other interests.”

The organisation has advertised the chief executive’s position on its own website and the Kirklees Council website.

Whoever gets the job will be paid £50,611 to £58,254-a-year plus a car allowance and a relocation package of up to £8,400.

They will be in charge of more than 200 staff.

The job advert says: “The trust is seeking to appoint a chief executive who will be responsible for the strategic development, management and operation of the trust.

“This is a highly visible role leading and managing Kirklees Active Leisure, working with partners to deliver high-quality services and promote active and healthy lifestyles in the communities of Kirklees.

“You will apply high standards of leadership, strategic planning and operational skill and will have the personal skills to strengthen existing and forge new partnerships and relationships with the diverse communities in Kirklees.”

In a message to prospective applicants, chairman of the board David Heddon says: “If you have exceptional vision, leadership qualities and the drive to champion the required service development and the ability to motivate and engage staff, then we want to hear from you.”

The closing date for applications is March 28, with interviews taking place next month.