KIRKLEES Council leader Robert Light has backed the troubled organisation that runs the area’s sports centres.

Clr Light said he had every confidence in Kirklees Active Leisure.

His comments came after the Examiner revealed the organisation’s chief executive, Terry Meehan, had been suspended.

Clr Light said: “KAL, its board of trustees and the workforce in our centres have being doing a tremendous job.

“Over the last five years there has been investment running into millions of pounds put into improving and modernising our sports and leisure centres and making them more attractive to users.

“This has seen a significant increase in the number of customers.

“There have been huge improvements to facilities in sports centres and swimming pools across the district, with more investment planned to raise standards of facilities even further.”

The Examiner reported yesterday that Mr Meehan had been suspended amid allegations he had abused his position. The allegations are believed to relate to perks of the job.

A source told the Examiner that KAL, a charitable trust set up in 2002, had also had a series of cash problems.

Clr Light denied this was the case.

KAL again refused to comment on Mr Meehan.

But David Heddon, chairman of the board of trustees, said the organisation was managing leisure centres effectively.

He added: “Both income and user numbers continue to increase.

“There were some 100,000 more visits to the centres this year than in the previous year.

“The trust has a committed, enthusiastic and experienced staff who work hard to provide quality services to its customers.

“The trustees have expressed their confidence in the strategic, business and operational planning processes of the trust, which they believe, in partnership with the council, will ensure that continuing high-quality, sport and recreation opportunities are available to the public of Kirklees.”