BLANDFORD Leisure Centre has moved a step closer to securing a long-term future.

District councilllors voted on Monday for a package of measures to ensure the Milldown Road facility remains open after district council funding ends next March.

Jo Rose, the spokesman for the Blandford Leisure Centre Action Group, welcomed the vote, but urged councillors to act quickly.

“It’s taken a long time, but this is a very positive move. The council has clearly learned from its experience with other leisure centres in North Dorset.

“Blandford Leisure Centre remains the jewel in the crown in terms of service provision and anything that maintains or enhances it is to be welcomed.

“Time is running short. It’s already the holiday season and by the time everyone comes back, we’ll be in the second half of the financial year,” said Ms Rose.

Councillors voted to spend £80,000 from savings for running costs to set-up a trust, or take on a private operator to run the centre.

A further £50,000 from the council’s capital budget will now be spent on modernising changing facilities to claim a £100,000 government grant after the council signed up last year to a national free swimming initiative for the under-16s and over-60s.

Mayor of Blandford, Cllr Lynn Lynsey, said any move to secure the centre’s long-term future was essential to the safety of children.

“One death by drowning is one too many and we have had several in the town over the years. A swimming pool is a non-negotiable facility for Blandford.

“All children need to be taught to swim and to have access to affordable swimming lessons,” said Cllr Lynsey.

North Dorset District Council’s spokesman, Peter Hyde, said the decision showed the council’s determination to keep it open.