Shropshire Council's Cabinet have approved the recommendation to select Serco as its preferred bidder to manage five of its leisure centres across the county, as part of a new approach to service delivery.

This means that detailed contractual negotiations will now start with Serco. Should these be successful, the aim is to commence with the new operator in early summer to manage Market Drayton Swimming Centre, Oswestry Leisure Centre, Shrewsbury Sports Village and Indoor Bowls Hall, Whitchurch Swimming Centre and the Quarry Fitness and Swimming Centre in Shrewsbury.

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The new contract, when concluded, will run for 10 years, with an option to extend this for a further five years, subject to the contractor’s performance.

Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council's Cabinet member responsible for active and healthy lifestyles, said: "We are pleased to announce Serco as the preferred bidder who, subject to the successful conclusion of detailed negotiations, will manage five of our leisure centres.

"The tender assessment has been thorough, and we hope to award the contract to the company which submitted the best bid both in terms of quality and price.

"We are extremely passionate about providing excellent public services to our residents, and the appointment of a new operator will offer better value for money for local people and guarantee the ongoing provision of excellent leisure services within some of our main market towns."

(CD/GK)