A BIG step has been taken to securing the long-term future of Sturminster Newton’s leisure centre.

An extraordinary meeting of Sturminster Newton Town Council on Thursday saw councillors sign off their agreement to the transfer of pensions for two staff employed at the centre.

Cllr Victor Fox, town council chairman, said another hurdle had been cleared to allowing the Jurrassic Leisure Trust to run the centre.

“We’ve resolved technical issues with the wording and signed the agreement. This was the key to getting a charitable trust set up to run the leisure centre instead of the district council which can’t afford to any longer,” said Cllr Fox.

Trust ownership would free the leisure centre from costly business rates, said Cllr Fox, who added trustees would have the flexibility to consider increased opening hours and special offers.

Joyce Guest, a general manager at North Dorset District Council, said the complicated process of transferring the leisure centre was nearing its end.

“We are finalising the legal documents to transfer the building to Dorset County Council. They will then have to sign a sub-lease with the trust allowing them to use the building as a sports facility,” said Mrs Guest.