FLINTSHIRE Council has assured the public that is is doing all it can to protect leisure services and its employees as its current funding agreement comes to an end.
In a letter seen by the Leader Aura Leisure - which runs most leisure centres in Flintshire - has claimed the council is "contemplating" withdrawing funding support for it.
The organisation, which runs the Buckley, Mold, Flint and Deeside leisure centres, has issued a letter to its employees, saying its funding agreement with Flintshire Council ends on March 31.
The issue has cast doubt over the future of Aura's services, which include running libraries and play areas, and more than 250 jobs that it provides.
The letter states: "Despite receiving several assurances from the council over the past two years that it was looking to agree a new longer-term funding agreement with Aura from 2024 onwards, we were recently informed that that the council is now contemplating the nature of its future relationship with Aura and services it provides."
In January, Aura said it wrote to Flintshire Council with a "solution" to protect its leisure centres, libraries, heritage services and play areas - and the 250+ jobs it provides.
"It would involve Aura being prepared to "take the risk" of investing in its current services.
The letter states: "Aura understands that the council is now considering in-sourcing the non-economic elements of Aura's business - notably libraries, museums and play areas, and pursuing an alternative delivery model for the main economic element that is leisure centres.
"Aura is extremely disappointed to receive this news so late in the day."
An Aura spokesperson said: “Aura’s current funding agreement with Flintshire County Council expires on 31 March 2024.
"Despite receiving several assurances from the Council over the past two years that it was looking to agree a new longer-term funding agreement with Aura from 2024 onwards, we were recently informed that the Council is now contemplating the nature of its future relationship with Aura and the services it provides.
"Once we receive confirmation from the Council of its plans for the county’s leisure centres, libraries and children’s play areas from 1 April we will provide further information by means of a published statement on our website and social media channels.”
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A Flintshire County Council spokesperson said: "Flintshire County Council recognises and appreciates the valuable services run by Aura since 2017 and is keen to maintain a working relationship.
"As the current funding agreement with Aura is coming to an end, the Council needs to ensure it can satisfy itself that it has done the necessary due diligence and is securing the best option for the future.
"The Council is keen to work with Aura to reach an agreement. In the meantime, we'd like to assure the public that we are doing all we can to ensure employees and services are protected."
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