TIMES CHANGE AT FRIESLAND CENTRE

New opening hours at Sandiacre Friesland Sports Centre come into force on Monday 30th October after Erewash Borough Council approved the changes due to low levels of daytime usage on weekdays. The new hours are as follows:

· Monday to Friday Squash courts and gym 3pm – 10pm

All other activities 4.30pm – 10pm

· Saturday 8:30am – 6:30pm

· Sunday 9:30am – 7:00pm

Councillors agreed to reduce the opening hours after a report showed that over the last five years visits to the centre by residents during the day on weekdays were very low and the latest figures showed 89.87% of usage is during the evening and the weekend. A consultation was carried out on the revised opening hours, with responses from the public seeing little objection to the proposal and all comments received showed an understanding of the council’s position. Leisure facilities are on offer at nearby West Park Leisure Centre in Long Eaton for those who want to visit during the day. The move is expected to save the council just over £65,500 a year. Councillor Mike Wallis, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, says:

 

“Everyone is well aware that these are financially challenging times for all local authorities and we continue to look at ways to save money and be more efficient. At our Sandiacre sports centre it is clear that the high demand to use the facilities is during the evening and weekends – and, as such, the new opening hours reflect this.”

The centre opened in 1975 and is in the grounds of Sandiacre Friesland School. A successful partnership agreement between the council and the school is in place which will see the school continue to use the sports hall and a range of facilities during term time.