THE future looks bright for the threatened Beaminster leisure centre and pool now its been taken over by new management.

The charity Bfit, that had been running sports facilities in Beaminster was wound up at the end of April after operating at a loss for several years.

But now 1610 - one of the largest leisure providers in the south west which manages 19 leisure centres based on shared school sites, including Dorchester Sports Centre in west Dorset - is to take over and re-open the pool and leisure centre on Monday next week.

1610 has secured a management partnership agreement to operate the leisure centre and pool which was formerly run by B-Fit Leisure Trust. The centre will now be known as 1610 Beaminster Sport & Leisure.

The leisure centre and pool are based on a shared site with Beaminster School on Tunnel Road.

The pool closed for the winter in October and was set to reopen at Easter but remained closed due to maintenance issues. Work will now be underway to clean the pool and redecorate the facilities in time for opening for the summer season.

The CEO of 1610, Tim Nightingale said the leisure trust will work closely with the school and local community to help to safeguard the future of leisure facilities in the town.

He said: “ Our first priority will be to work with the school to resolve the maintenance issues at the site and to reopen the pool on June 20.

"Then we will work in partnership with local community groups and sports clubs to improve services to revitalise the pool and leisure centre. We want to make the centre a vibrant hub for community sport and fitness with an inspiring programme of classes and swimming lessons to encourage everyone in the Beaminster area to get fit and active.”

Head of Beaminster School, Keith Hales said: "We are delighted to be forging this exciting partnership with 1610 Leisure.

"Their expertise and experience will ensure that we are able to provide the widest range of activities for the school and support health and fitness opportunities in our local community"

A new discounted fitness membership offer for classes at the fitness centre and gym will be available from July 4. For more information Tel 07596152659.

Notes for Editors: 1610 is a non-profit making leisure trust (formerly Somerset Leisure) which manages 18 leisure centres based on school sites across Somerset, Devon and Dorset. 1610 aims to help people live fuller, richer lives through having an active body and an active mind.

For more information about 1610 contact the marketing manager Rebecca Sawtell on 01823 410 227 or mobile 07808 767468 or visit 1610.org.uk