Fife sport trust reveals rise in numbers at centres pre-lockdown

The figures were revealed this week by the charitable trust which manages the facilities.

Fife Sports And Leisure Trust (FSLT) said the number, which covered the period April 2-019-March 2020 - underlined it was delivering its commitment to get more people active more of the time.

Lockdown had a massive impact on its services as all centres closed. They have all since re-opened, with the exception of the Beacon in Burntisland.

The popular centre presented “significant challenges” delivering social distancing measures, said the trust, and no date has been confirmed for its return to use.

Chief executive, Emma Walker, welcomed the numbers in the organisation’s annual report - and thanked local people for their continued support during lockdown.

Attendances at outdoor facilities were up 4.31 per cent - the highest levels in the trust’s 12-year history - due largely to the use of synthetic turf pitches.Attendances by over 60s were up 4.09 per cent, marking a ninth consecutive year that older adults are getting active in increasing numbers.

A health and physical activity programme, Active Options 2, saw 99 weekly classes delivered with attendances in excess of 40,000.

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Customers continued to benefit from the trust’s expanded online booking system with applications to its affordable membership scheme, Leisure Active, up by 12 per cent and an increase in attendances with 775,000 visits by members - an increase of 2.9 per cent from the previous year.

Carnegie Leisure Centre, Dalgety Bay Leisure Centre and Levenmouth Swimming and Sports Centre all recorded increases in attendances.

Ms Walker said: “The annual report reflects largely positive performance, with some fantastic examples of the importance of community leisure in being able to deliver a difference to local communities of all ages and abilities.

“We are very aware that people who choose to use our facilities are investing in an organisation which has the wellbeing of local communities at its core – by continuing to perform well, we are able to invest surpluses back into facilities and programmes for everyone’s benefit. I’d like to thank customers for their continued support.

“I’d also like to thank all staff for their tremendous efforts to get our sites re-open.”

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https://www.localsubsplus.co.uk/nord/dm/FFP/V