Borough Continues to 'Work Toward' Leisure Centre Reopening

Meeting to take place to discuss report on council’s plans

The pool at Isleworth Leisure Centre

There is still no confirmed date for the reopening of leisure centres in the borough of Hounslow but the council have announced that a report into the situation is to be discussed at the next cabinet meeting.

This report is expected to detail the reasons for the delay in allowing access to leisure centres and public halls at the meeting on Tuesday, 8 September.

Following this meeting the council says there will be an announcement on the decision regarding the reopening of facilities.

Hounslow is one of the last boroughs to reopen their centres and no reason has been given as to why this situation has arisen. Leisure centres such as the Fountains in Brentford, New Chiswick Pool and the Isleworth Leisure Centre remain unavailable to local users. Centre users are speculating that the council has been unable to reach an agreement with Fusion Lifestyle which manages the facilities on the council’s behalf. Fusion managed centres in other boroughs have reopened.

Cllr Samia Chaudhary, Cabinet Member for Leisure Services at Hounslow Council, said, “The Council and Fusion continue to work towards the safe reopening of the borough’s leisure facilities and public halls, and Cabinet will next week be considering the best way forward in this process.

“Our priority remains ensuring public safety, delivering consistent and high-quality services, and developing a sustainable model to give reassurance and certainty to users and staff.

“We know the ongoing closure of facilities is very frustrating for our leisure centre and public halls customers and staff. I would like to apologise for this delay and thank everyone for their patience while we develop our plans for reopening.

“I thank everyone who has contacted me personally regarding this matter, and I am endeavouring to provide prompt answers to all emails and calls.

“We will hopefully be able to provide a detailed update and clear road ahead after the Cabinet meeting.”

September 5, 2020