THE leisure centre attached to a Wimborne school is under threat, with the school urging people to have their say on its future.

Queen Elizabeth’s School (QE) in Wimborne could lose nearly £300,000 in funding if it was to lose the leisure centre.

Dorset Council is considering whether to withdraw from the contract to run QE Leisure Centre, which could lead to its closure as a public facility which would reduce central government funding to the school by £280,000 per year.

QE Leisure Centre is owned by the school’s foundation and is managed by the council under a dual use agreement, allowing the school and wider community to use it.

Facilities include a 25m swimming pool, three gymnasiums, climbing wall, fitness studios and an outdoor 3G sports pitch.

Headteacher Katie Boyes said: “The agreement allows the council to give two years’ notice on withdrawing from the contract, which is what they are considering.

“Clearly this would leave the school in a difficult position, especially as we would lose £280,000 per year funding from central government and be left with a building which requires considerable investment.

“We would of course find a way to continue the commitment to our comprehensive and excellent school sports programmes, but our preferred option is for the school and council to continue working together.

“The agreement, which was between ourselves and East Dorset District Council prior to the local government reorganisation, runs until 2086. The centre was purpose-built as a dual use facility.

“Before the final decision is taken the council is holding a consultation and we’d urge people to let the council know what they think.

“The local area has a rapidly growing population and the leisure centre provides the school and the community with vital sporting and fitness facilities.”

The consultation can be found on the Dorset Council website and goes live on Sunday, September 12.