A CALL was made today for an inquiry into the organisation that runs Kirklees sports centres, following a series of revelations in the Examiner.
Holme Valley North councillor David Woodhead wants Kirklees Council to investigate Kirklees Active Leisure (KAL) – and its relationship with the council.
He has made an official request for an in-depth review to the council’s overview and scrutiny management committee.
The Liberal Democrat councillor said: “I hope that this issue does come before a full scrutiny panel.
“It is very worrying to read about developments and problems in the press without having the full picture.”
His appeal comes after the Huddersfield Daily Examiner revealed how KAL, which runs 10 centres and swim pools, launched an investigation last year into a series of hospitality trips taken by senior staff.
A source revealed how bosses had been to Las Vegas and Italy on fact-finding jaunts paid for by businesses.
There were also allegations they had been on golfing days, motor racing trips, horse racing days, a clay pigeon shooting outing and rugby and football matches.
KAL’s investigation found the trips broke strict rules that ban staff from accepting corporate invitations which could be deemed extravagant or inappropriate.
Former chief executive Terry Meehan was suspended last year and later resigned, although KAL has not confirmed his departure was linked to the investigation into the junkets.
The publicly funded organisation, which is independent from the council but works in partnership with it, is now in the process of appointing Mr Meehan’s successor.
Clr Woodhead said: “We need a thorough review to ensure that Kirklees Active Leisure is working effectively and to learn any lessons from the events leading up to the resignation of the former chief executive.”
The scrutiny management committee is responsible for overseeing the work of the overview and scrutiny panels, which act as watchdogs on council activity.
If the request for a review is granted, it will delegate the job of carrying out the inquiry to the relevant panel.
A council spokesman said: “The request will be considered by the overview and scrutiny management committee in due course.”
