Clean-up call to Marina Centre   from EDP 24 http://snipurl.com/bkwj   

23 January  2004  (reproduced in full)

GREAT Yarmouth Marina Leisure Centre has been set tough deadlines to clean up its act.
A new policy has been agreed by the borough council executive committee in response to continuing complaints from customers about such issues as cleanliness and the attitude and efficiency of staff.

A row erupted most recently before Christmas, when a double-booking meant an Army event had to be cancelled to make way for a concert by rock band The Darkness. Under the new policy, operating company Leisure Connection has been set a six-week deadline to repair all minor items such as tiles, sinks and toilets.

It has also been told to ensure the centre is clean and tidy and in good repair at all times, as required by the contract. Leisure Connection has been given a maximum 12 months to redecorate all areas of the centre that do not meet contractual standards. Councillors agreed that officers should pursue any present or future complaints more formally. And serious contract breaches could lead ultimately to the agreement being ended. Other measures agreed include reintroducing quarterly inspections.

In the light of the Army cancellation row, Leisure Connection is being asked to review booking procedures. It has also been told to review security after several reported thefts from lockers. And, to improve its image, Leisure Connection is being urged to respond to all written complaints. Meanwhile, the council has pledged to redecorate the outside and fix pipes and gutters if the funds are available.

Referring to previous criticism of the operating company, council deputy leader Bert Collins said after the meeting: "While wishing to avoid adding fuel to the fire, we will want to see more of a response from Leisure Connection." The new policy has been agreed after months of council talks, including public meetings. In the longer term, the committee agreed to launch a needs-based leisure and sports strategy for the whole borough, the Marina Centre forming part of the review. First, this will decide where sports facilities would be best placed, then it will consider developing new ones, possibly jointly with schools.

Mark Barrow, a corporate director of the council, explained that the Marina Centre site might be used in a different way if it was found that the seafront was not the best place for such a centre.

Jon Lennon, contract manager for Leisure Connection, said this week that the Marina Centre would work alongside the council to ensure that the objectives were met.

He added: "It is always our intention to deliver a high-quality service to the local community.

"We have a good relationship with the council and are in regular contact with our client officer.

"That helps to ensure we keep sight of our objectives and continue to fulfil the council's expectations."