THE newly formed trust which runs leisure services in Torfaen has announced it is to increase leisure charges.

But the trust has not gone with the proposed five per cent increase suggested in a council report.

And instead it is to put up prices by just three per cent.

In July, the council-run leisure facilities in Torfaen were handed over to the not-for-profit trust in an effort to create a more efficient service.

This includes Pontypool Ski Slope, Cwmbran Stadium and Fairwater Leisure Centre, which will now be run more commercially.

The trust’s first change to services is an increase in charges to customers, from September this year.

Users who currently meet the criteria of the existing leisure concessionary scheme will continue to be eligible for the discounted rates.

The cost of providing leisure services has increased, however the prices charged to customers have not been raised for two and a half years.

The leisure service has absorbed the increased cost, utility bills and other costs during this time.

The increase in fees was made public back in June as part of a Torfaen council cabinet report.

Chairman of Torfaen Leisure Trust, Alun Williams, said: “The report suggested a 5 per cent overall increase, however we have taken the decision to increase prices by around 3 per cent and for example the increase does not include the monthly direct debit fitness membership fee which will be pegged at the current monthly amount for a fifth successive year.

“Even with the proposed increases, our centres will remain much less expensive than many of the leisure facilities managed by neighbouring councils and privately run facilities.”

Chief Executive of Torfaen Leisure Trust, Sally Church, added: “Our aim is to ensure that we provide, fairly priced leisure centres and services for all of our customers.

This includes a reasonable and consistent discounted pricing system for people who need it.

“We believe that our decision to increase prices will assist us as a charitable business to reinvest all surpluses in the future back into the facilities and services we deliver.”

How prices are changing
(current price is first and price from September 1st next)

Adult Swim
3.25
3.35

Junior Swim
1.60
1.65

Badminton Court
8.00
8.25

Squash Court
7.20
7.40