THE Fife Sports and Leisure Trust is stepping up its support for a national #saveleisure campaign in light of the Scottish Government’s announcement which will see doors stay closed on its facilities until September.

The charitable trust, which runs the likes of Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre and the Bowhill Pool, has been frustrated by a further delay in its phased re-opening of its leisure centres and is warning that the loss of six month’s income will have a serious impact on the organisation.

The latest indicative date for indoor gyms, swimming pools and sports halls, according to the Scottish Government’s Covid-19 Route Map, is September 14.

Community Leisure UK – the umbrella organisation which represents non-profiting distributing leisure trusts – which is leading on the #saveleisure campaign, is highlighting that nearly half of all public leisure facilities in the UK face permanent closure by the end of the year, unless, local authorities receive urgent ring-fenced funding from the Government to overcome the enormous financial impact of the Covid-19 lockdown period and its legacy.

Community Leisure estimates that 48 per cent of all public leisure facilities face closure, 1,300 could disappear by the end of the year, along with more than 58,000 jobs, up to 35 per cent of venues will not be able to reopen due to the exceptional increased costs and that closing leisure facilities is at odds with the government’s plan to reduce obesity and improve the nation’s health through exercise in the face of the second wave of Covid-19.

Emma Walker, chief executive for Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, said: “As a charitable trust, Fife Sports and Leisure Trust offers affordable, accessible public leisure facilities which provide physical activity opportunities to local communities.

"Unlike private providers, we are committed to delivering programmes and facilities for all ages and abilities as well as providing concessions to those on low incomes. Crucially, we provide programmes for older adults, those living with long-term health conditions and individuals struggling with their mental health. The provision of community leisure facilities has never been so important than in the face of a national public health emergency and to help support the fight against obesity which has been identified as a key risk factor in Covid-19.

“Through the #saveleisure campaign we are asking our customers and stakeholders to raise support for their local leisure facilities by lobbying local and national governments to recognise the urgent financial burden the Covid-19 lockdown has had on leisure trusts in order to ensure their long-term sustainability.

“Our staff have done a fantastic job at getting our facilities Covid-ready and we are keen to welcome our customers back so that they can enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of physical activity within a safe environment.”

The trust’s re-opening programme will see Lumphinnans Sports Hub in the first phase of re-opening, followed by Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre and then Bowhill Swimming Pool.