HOLSWORTHY'S Leisure Centre will be under new management from February 1.

Torridge District Council has awarded a £1.4million contract to manage the district's leisure facilities for the next decade to the Somerset-based 1610 leisure trust.

The new contract will mean a significant annual saving for the council and local council tax payers.

A non-profit making, 1610, leisure trust which currently manages 13 leisure centres on school sites in Somerset, won the 10-year contract after a year-long tendering process. They will take over the management of Torrington Pool, Torridge Pool in Bideford, Holsworthy Leisure Centre and the Torrington Sports Hall and Artificial Turf Pitch.

The trust was one of a number of tenders scrutinised by Torridge District Council's Community and Resources Committee, whose Chair Cllr Barry Parsons said: "We believe 1610 offered the best value for money and that they will offer the best and most comprehensive service for the residents of Torridge. We look forward to a new era of community engagement and enterprise within our leisure facilities."

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.