CORNWALL?Councillor for North Petherwin and Launceston North, Adam Paynter (Lib Dem), is hoping that new buyer for the ownership of Launceston Leisure Centre can be found by the autumn.

At a Launceston Community Network Panel meeting on Wednesday, June 15, Cllr Paynter revealed that there are currently three bidders in the running, which will see the new owners also take control of other leisure centres across the Duchy.

Although Cllr Paynter, who is also Deputy Leader of Cornwall?Council, did not divulge the names of these companies, he gave a brief lowdown on the differences in what they’re offering.

He said: “The first bid is zero subsidised, will be free of charge and will be on a leasehold basis, the second is a partly-subsidised solution and the third is very largely subsidised.”

At the moment, companies are in negotiations with the council, each being interviewed by Cornwall Council. But with the importance of the takeover so great, the council are prepared to take their time.

The change in ownership is expected to be a smooth transition.

Cllr Paynter said: I fully expect the existing staff to transfer over and the leisure centre to stay open and continue to provide for the people of Launceston.”