Trust targets disadvantaged

Jan 31 2009 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

MORE people from disadvantaged communities should be encouraged to use sports centres and swimming pools.

In his annual report Alasdair Brown, chief executive of Kirklees Active Leisure, pledged to continue the work being done by the Trust to attract new people to a healthier lifestyle.

Mr Brown, who was appointed chief executive in July last year said: “There has been a transformational change over the past few years in accepting that an active lifestyle is an important part of living in a modern society and this provides considerable potential for Kirklees Active Leisure to continue attracting new users to our leisure centres.

“Further work needs to be focussed on encouraging new customers into our facilities, especially those who are from disadvantaged communities and other traditionally hard to reach groups.”

He also acknowledged that challenges brought by the economic slowdown, coupled with increasing energy and living costs, would also test the financial efficiency of the Trust, its value for money and quality of service.

But he said major projects were due to be progressed in coming months including the major development of Colne Valley Leisure Centre, with the final phase due to be completed early this year and the implementation of free swimming for the over 60s and under 16s in April.

Kirklees Active Leisure (KAL) was established in April 2002 as a charitable trust.