SIX trustees have decided to take over Tregaron Leisure Centre from Ceredigion County Council for the sake of the town‘s wellbeing.

Rhydian Wilson, David Bennett, John Jones, Nigel Pearson, Allan Lewis and Malcolm Davies are determined to ‘make a go’ of running the centre following a series of blows to the town.

“Our school lost its sixth form, which meant a lot of parents decided to send their kids elsewhere,” said Mr Wilson.

“The library closed and the banks have all gone and the swimming pool is closed during the winter.

“I’m afraid that towns like Tregaron are getting a kicking because we have the smallest population and the least amount collected in tax. Llandysul are in the same boat – the smallest people in the yard are the ones who’re getting picked on.”

The trustees taking over the leisure centre are former headmaster John Jones, a leading light in Tregaron Bowls Club; Allan Lewis, who formerly worked for the chief executive’s department at Ceredigion County Council; town councillor David Bennett; retired local businessman Nigel Fletcher, a member of the town’s badminton club; Malcolm Davies, a coach with Tregaron Turfs FC; and Mr Wilson, a well-known resident and local businessman.

“We have a variety of backgrounds and experience, but share one thing in common – a commitment to making this place work on behalf of the community,” Mr Wilson told the Cambrian News.

“We are driven to sustain this facility for the kids of the future because it’s an important resource.

“Having said that, it looks like our growth will be in the retirement sector – people who have time to spare during the day."

See this week’s South Ceredigion paper for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition now