Three leisure centres in Tameside will be forced to close their doors after seeing a “dramatic rise” in energy prices and other overhead costs.
Active Ashton, Adventure Longdendale, and Active Etherow – which are all part of the not-for-profit community organisation, Active Tameside – will sadly close to the public from early September after claiming that financial changes in the national economy amid the ongoing cost of living crisis have “ravaged our capacity to remain financially viable as an organisation”.
The three centres have been chosen by the organisation to close due to their “current levels of subsidy” – with the physical state of the sites having also been “considered” too.
The closures have largely been put down to the high energy consumption of swimming pools and sports complexes, which has meant that Active Tameside’s spend on utilities has risen up to a whopping £2 million per year.
Active Ashton, Adventure Longdendale, and Active Etherow will all close in September / Credit: Google Maps
On top of this, other overhead costs and prices for related products such as chemicals, insurances, and staff wages have also seen “dramatic rises”, which the organisation says has only further “exacerbated” the financial difficulties it is facing.
ADVERTISEMENT
Active Tameside says that, although a series of options to reduce costs and maximise its income has been created over the last 18 months and are currently being implemented, with the help of key stakeholder and supporter, Tameside Council, this is unfortunately not been enough to save the “inevitable closures” of three leisure centres.
The organisation says the closures are being made with “deep regret”, and it understands the “significant impact” they could have on the community.
ADVERTISEMENT
It also says that the closures are a result of the fact that “it is not an option” for the organisation to charge customers “significantly more” for their activities, as this could have an impact on attendances and, in turn, the health of the community.
Active Etherow will close on Friday 1 September, while Active Ashton and Adventure Longdendale will close on Sunday 3 September.
Active Tameside says it now has a plan in place to relocate all its affected staff at the three closing sites over the coming weeks, and all members and service users of the centres will receive further updates on membership status and swimming lesson status “imminently”.
Featured Image – Active Tameside (via Facebook)
News
Manchester United legend Denis Law has died aged 84
Emily Sergeant
Manchester United legend Denis Law has sadly died aged 84, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen-born footballer was a prolific striker throughout his career, scoring 237 goals in 404 appearances for Manchester United – the club he signed for a then-British record transfer fee back 1962, before departing in 1973 – and also playing for Manchester City too for two separate spells during the 1960-61 and 1973-74 seasons.
Law was an integral part of United’s triumphant record-setting 1968 European Cup winning campaign, was the only Scottish player to have won the Ballon d’Or award, in 1964, and also the only man to have two statues dedicated to him at Old Trafford.
But, he previously announced in August 2021 that he had sadly been diagnosed with dementia.
The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you. Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/YuwjMXKgxn
A formal statement confirming Law’s passing by his family was announced by Manchester United this evening: “It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally he is now at peace.
“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.
“The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation. Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’s family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”
Advice issued as ‘quademic’ of winter bugs continues to take hold in Greater Manchester
Daisy Jackson
People in Greater Manchester are being urged to get any vaccinations they are due done, as a ‘quademic’ of winter bugs runs rife.
Cases of flu, Covid, norovirus and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) are continuing to take hold across the country, and here in Greater Manchester.
The city is seeing more flu cases and hospital admissions than usual for this time of year.
So now health chiefs are urgently reminding eligible people to get their flu jabs and other vaccinations, to protect themselves and others.
Mancs are also being reminded to follow key public health advice, such as frequent hand washing and staying at home when you’re ill.
The flu vaccination drive runs until the end of March and people who are eligible for it can get it from their GP, pharmacy or one of the city’s walk-in clinics, where no appointment is needed.
Dr Cordelle Ofori, Manchester’s Director of Public Health, said: “Our advice is very similar to recommendations made during the Covid pandemic.
“It’s really important to keep washing hands well and regularly; cough or sneeze into tissues or your arm; wipe down key communal surfaces like handles on doors; and where possible, stay at home if you are ill to avoid passing on any infections.
“And, in addition to this we would urge anyone who is also feeling financial or food pressures to ring our free cost of living advice line on 0800 023 2692 or text on 07860 022876.”
Councillor Thomas Robinson, Executive Member for Healthy Manchester and Social Care, at Manchester City Council, said: “Manchester people are well-known for how they look after one another – and passing the flu message on could save lives, as well as unnecessary illness at a time when people face many pressures.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to have their vaccination, so please do go to our walk-in clinics if you are 18 and over and eligible for the vaccine. No appointment is needed: it’s quick, easy and done by teams who want to help you.”
Emily Sergeant -
4th July 2023 
