NEW equipment and free swimming for over-60s and under-16s are being touted as ways to increase visitors and income at Whitby Leisure Centre.
Scarborough Borough Council is concerned about the large drop in numbers and revenue at its sites in Whitby and Scarborough.
While not as hard hit as the council-run facilities in Scarborough, Whitby Leisure Centre has seen a fall in admissions of
8% from April to October compared with last year.
A report by leisure and community services officer Andrew Williams shows that 95,250 people visited the centre, down from 103,450.
In the same period, Scarborough Indoor Pool and the sports centre fell by 11% and 20% respectively.
Revenue for the leisure centre is also down £11,178 on its expected target.
Mr Williams’ report highlighted the change in car park fees as one reason for the downturn. He said: “There was a great deal of ill feeling and adverse media coverage that resulted in a loss of attendances.”
He goes on to add: “A capital bid has been submitted to the council for £330,000 to purchase new fitness equipment at the three indoor leisure sites.”
While his report does not commit the council to joining the Government’s free swimming initiative, which the council opted out of, it does leave open the possibility of its own scheme.
