As you will be aware Active Tameside operate as a not-for-profit charitable company, delivering sport and wellbeing services in our communities, primarily for the residents of the borough of Tameside.

Over the course of the last 18 months, the significant financial changes in our national economy have ravaged our financial capacity to remain financially viable as an organisation. Current national research shows that energy bills for the sector have increased between 150% to 200% compared to 2021, due to the high energy consumption of swimming pools and sports complexes. In cash terms this has taken our utilities spend up to £2million per annum. All additional related products such as chemicals, insurances and people costs have in turn seen dramatic rises, exacerbating the financial situation faced by the Trust.

As a provider of predominantly discretionary public services for all, our ability to simply charge our customers significantly more for their activities is not an option. Doubling the price for a swim would have a significant impact on attendances and in turn the health of our community.

Last financial year the company held reserves which ultimately allowed us to continue trading, but unfortunately these have now depleted. We find ourselves in a place where the options to remain financially viable without significant change is not feasible.

Our key stakeholder, Tameside Council, although highly sympathetic to our plight again faces its own challenges and unfortunately any additional financial support cannot be offered.

As an organisation a series of options to reduce costs and maximise income have been created and are currently being implemented. Unfortunately, due to the amount required it is with deep regret that we must announce the inevitable closures of three of our sites; Active Ashton, Adventure Longdendale and Active Etherow. The sites have been selected on their current levels of subsidy and the physical fabric of the site, has also been considered.

We understand this will have a significant impact on our community but unfortunately all possible cost cutting measures have already been taken, this is the only option to secure the future of our other eight centres and facilities.

We are proud of the leisure offer we deliver in Tameside and our remaining sites will continue to provide a fantastic mix of Health & Fitness, Attractions, Early Years, Sports Activities & Facilities, Swimming Lessons, Gymnastics Lessons, Active Education and Health, Social & Wellbeing Services across the borough.

Rest assured we have a plan in place to relocate all our affected staff, service users and clubs where possible over the coming weeks. All members and service users of the centres will receive further updates on membership status and swimming lesson status imminently.

The last days of opening will be: Active Etherow on Friday 1st September 2023 and Active Ashton and Adventure Longdendale on Sunday 3rd September 2023.

Once again, it is with deep regret that we must announce these closures and we hope you understand the reasons behind why we have had to make these difficult decisions. We appreciate your ongoing support as we continue to provide Leisure and Wellbeing services throughout Tameside.

As a registered charity we will continue to honour our commitment to being ‘Here for Tameside, not for profit’, reinvesting 100% of our profits back into providing high quality, accessible-to-all facilities and life-changing community services.