‘A HIGH number’ of expressions of interest have been received by parties on taking on the running of leisure services in Cornwall.

Launceston Town Councillors last week heard the update on the leisure services procurement exercise from Liberal Democrat Cornwall Councillor for Launceston North and North Petherwin, Adam Paynter.

He said tender documents started going out on February 8.

“There has been quite a high number of expressions of interest so far.

“By mid-April we will know what offers we have had,” he added.

Launceston’s Phoenix Leisure Centre, as it is a leasehold property, is one of four sites that could be considered for devolution, as well as still being included in the main tender process.

The others are Par Running Track, Newquay Sports Centre and Falmouth Pavilion. Newquay is also a leasehold property, and the other two sites are considered to be are outside the traditional ‘wet and dry’ (pools and gym facilities) set up.

Cllr Paynter added: “Launceston is one of those devolution sites. We are currently working with anybody that has expressed an interest in looking at Launceston’s centre.

“Chris Sims, our community network manager, is working with anybody who has shown an interest in Phoenix Leisure Centre to make sure they can bring forward business cases that work.

“If we believe any of the cases have got legs we will continue to take those forward with the other bids.

“If we get to April and no one has come forward for Launceston or isn’t right for Launceston it will be moved forward with the other centres and we will go from there.”

He said the council is aiming to make an award decision in December.

Tempus Leisure currently manages leisure services on behalf of Cornwall Council. The leisure contracts ends on March 31 2017.

Cornwall Council said it wants to keep leisure centres open in the county, but without an ongoing subsidy from the local authority.