A TOWN'S leisure centre is faced with a 'tremendous' set-back following a grant reduction from Welsh Government.

Holywell Leisure Centre has just celebrated its second successful year of trading as a charity.

Cllr Tudor Jones said in both years it succeeded in trading at a small surplus which is fully reinvested in the not-for-profit charitable enterprise.

However, despite setting out its business plan for the year, Cllr Jones said it is faced with a tremendous set-back as Welsh Government announced funds will be reduced.

Its grant to support free swimming lessons will be reduced by £5,000 this year and potentially cut by £10,000 next year.

Chair of Trustees, Cllr Jones, added: "This was never going to be an easy task with the leisure centre previously being kept open with an annual £425,000 grant from the county council.

"Now with a county grant of £86,000 we have managed to turn this large annual loss into an annual surplus of £30,000 which we put straight back into the business for everyone’s benefit."

The Board of Trustees made commitments in this year's business plan to have new gas boilers fitted and they have also launched a financial appeal to raise £20,000 for refurbishing the pool side showers and toilets.

They are close to reaching the first £5,000. Following the work, which is due this year, the trustees then intend on renewing the health spa.

Cllr Jones said: "It’s all so very disappointing when everyone knows just how important exercise is for good health and recovery from injury.

"We have increasing numbers of attendees from our older population. The centre is much busier in the daytime than it ever was when it was county run and now we are faced with a real significant cut in our income.

"Thankfully we have had tremendous support from the people of Holywell and all of its surrounding communities. We remain determined to make this centre better than it ever was and to make sure the doors stay open.

"We’re asking everyone who has enjoyed coming to Holywell since the 1960’s to rally round and make sure we stay on track. The immediate priority is to get this year’s projects completed and paid for.

"We can accept donations directly at the centre or better still via the wonderful.org/charity/holywellleisurecentre site where donations can gain another 25 per cent free from the government as Gift Aid."