The decision to keep Trafford’s leisure centres closed until 4th of January 2021 has been questioned by Trafford Conservatives. The decision is based on saving costs, rather than the well-being of Trafford residents and will see facilities such as the much loved swimming pools remain shut while private providers resume their operations.
Many residents have already contacted their local councillors to express their disappointment and frustration at the decision which has been made at a time when residents have restricted leisure options due to the global pandemic. Outside exercise is not a realistic option for all residents due to the weather conditions and lack of daylight at this time of the year.
Cllr. John Lamb, Shadow Executive Member at Trafford Council for Leisure and Culture said “Not only is it disappointing for Trafford to be placed into Tier 3 level of Covid restrictions when the second lockdown ends, but it’s even more frustrating for Trafford Leisure members who will not be able to access their local leisure centres until early January 2021. While residents can largely understand why the facilities had to be closed during the lockdowns, they are asking why Trafford Leisure facilities will remain closed while private operators will be re-opening their leisure facilities.
“Council leisure facilities in Trafford are operated by Trafford Leisure which is a Community Interest Company of which Trafford Council is the only shareholder and operates on very tight profit margins, so I understand the need to consider options that ensure the survival of Trafford Leisure as a business. My concern is that residents unable to afford private gyms will be excluded from physical activity at this key time of the year.
“Trafford has a Health and Well-being strategy with key parts of the strategy being to reduce physical inactivity in the borough through the promotion of sporting and leisure activities and to support people in mental health services to become more physically active by providing specialised, patient-focusses support. This decision will make the strategy more difficult to implement and runs the risk of worsening inequalities in the borough as we know In Trafford there is a 16 year inequality or difference gap between the most affluent and most deprived communities Trafford Leisure and the Council need to revisit this decision now to ensure that levels of physical activity and inequality do not get worse in Trafford.”
