Leisure and cultural services in East Lindsey look set to be transferred to a Trust

The delivery of leisure and culture services in East Lindsey look set to be transferred to a charitable trust.

This is not only going to deliver necessary savings for the council over the next few years it also means a better service in terms of sport, leisure and culture.Councillor Adam Grist

East Lindsey District Council’s Executive Board this morning has supported a three year business plan for the transfer of leisure facilities in the district.

The council had previously supported the formation of Magna Vitae Trust for Leisure and Culture which will see the transfer of the council’s leisure centres and sports facilities, Embassy Theatre and events such as the SO Festival, Wolds Words Festival and other services.

Councillor Adam Grist, portfolio holder for Culture, Leisure and Tourism said: “This would enable the trust to go where the council can’t go to attract funding from various sources.

“This is not only going to deliver necessary savings for the council over the next few years it also means a better service in terms of sport, leisure and culture.

“The council has done some good things in the last few years and now the trust will be able to do even more things in the future because more partnerships will be able to develop.”

Councillor Grist said there will be no loss of service provision and it will safeguard around 120 jobs.

The proposals could potentially save the council around £700,000 over the first three years alone from its culture and leisure budgets.

Councillor Doreen Stephenson, leader of East Lindsey District Council said: “This is to ensure we continue to serve the community to the best of our efforts. It will maintain employment in the district for those working there and not facing cut backs in work availability and staffing numbers.”

The business plan will now be presented to full council on October 8.

If approved the transfer of services will happen from January 1.