A lack of spending on maintenance and renovation at Ceredigion’s leisure centres has hit the number of people who use the facilities and costs the council money, a review report has found.

Consultants were asked to consider the council-operated leisure facilities, and members of the authority’s Healthier Communities Scrutiny Committee heard that the council’s decision to cut spending on maintenance and renovation at the leisure centres had seen a reduction in the number of people using the facilities.

That was backed up by comments from people who used the facilities who told consultants that they didn’t think the council “held sport and physical activity in a high enough regards”.

A report into the review by consultants Just Solutions said: “The review quite clearly states that the maintenance standards have declined in recent years and the lack of significant investment has undoubtedly contributed to a fall in usage and consequential financial loss.

"The results of the review clearly demonstrate the urgent need for investment in our facilities both in terms of equipment and buildings. The current operating model is not a viable long-term option.

"The review clearly states that the leisure offer in Ceredigion no longer meets the needs and demands of residents and that there is a growing need for health intervention.

“There has been no substantial capital investment and the buildings and the equipment present a poor first impression.”

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