Madam,

As a volunteer director and climbing instructor at Harlech and Ardudwy Leisure (HAL), I was very interested to read the article in the Cambrian News (‘Calls to include Harlech in leisure centre schemes’, 12 October). I am very grateful to councillors Eryl Jones-Williams and Freya Bentham for speaking up in support of Harlech and Ardudwy Leisure in the council meeting held on 5 October.

Gwynedd Leisure Services submitted their proposal for establishing a ‘Not for Profit’ company to the full council for their approval. As the chief executive Dilwyn Williams stated in the meeting in reply to Freya Bentham, the vote was to agree the establishment of a council-controlled company and not to discuss at that time the inclusion of Harlech and Ardudwy Leisure, since currently it is not part of the council’s portfolio of leisure centres. However it was heartening in the meeting to hear from the chief executive that the door is not closed on Harlech & Ardudwy Leisure and it is hoped that discussion can take place between us and Gwynedd Council once the work on establishing the new company takes place.

As people will probably know, back in 2008 Gwynedd Council at that time (for various reasons) decided that Harlech swimming pool was not viable and that residents of the Ardudwy area could use other leisure centres. After strong local objections Gwynedd Council eventually agreed to hand over the centre to the local community. Funding through various grants was raised to upgrade the existing building which included substantial remedial work to the pool itself, a new cafe, improved reception area and a climbing wall.

We feel that we provide an essential service to the local community and visitors to the Ardudwy area. The centre, now much improved, has gone from being just a swimming pool to a centre which offers kayaking, climbing, bouldering, a cafe, talks, bingo sessions, a community centre, Gwynedd Library Link and much more. Although financially it is still a struggle, we augment our income through grants, fundraising events and also this financial year through a precept agreement with the six community councils and Gwynedd Council.

I sincerely hope that Gwynedd will talk to us. The creation of a much bigger company but established along the same lines – ie ‘Not for Profit Social Enterprise’ run by volunteers – will clearly add extra challenges to us. A much bigger organisation able to apply for the same grants that we could apply for but with full backing of the council, they would also have the full support of the council’s infrastructure, ie Estates, HR, Health & Safety.

It could also be of benefit to Gwynedd. We have had to be frugal over the last seven years of running the business. There may be lessons Gwynedd could learn from us as well. Effectively HAL could be a blueprint, especially as we have managed to reduce the the annual running costs but at same time have extended the services we offer.

Yours etc,

Dylan Hughes Volunteer director, Harlech & Ardudwy Leisure, Talsarnau.

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