FOREST Heath District Council has agreed a deal that will see a trust take over responsibility for the management of the district's leisure facilities.

Anglia Community Leisure (ACL) will undertake the work from 1 May, initially on an interim agreement and then a ten year contract. ACL will be responsible for managing leisure centres, swimming pools and community centres in Newmarket, Mildenhall and Brandon and the George Lambton playing field in Newmarket, on behalf of the council.

Leader of the council, Councillor Geoffrey Jaggard, said: "This move will mean long term savings for Forest Heath District Council. The aim is for the Trust to secure Value For Money for local taxpayers in providing leisure services, while having the interests of residents at heart when managing and seeking to improve the facilities."

ACL is a new charitable based, not-for-profit community organisation established to provide leisure and cultural services to the community.

The organisation's activities will be overseen by a voluntary 12-strong Board of Trustees recruited from local business and the community.

Chairman of ACL, Mr Richard Balfe said: "We look forward to working in partnership with Forest Heath District Council to provide facilities and activities that contribute to the physical and emotional wellbeing of the public, local groups and community organisations."

Operational control will be through ACL's Chief Executive, Mr Tony Bass, who was previously Head of Leisure with Forest Heath District Council. Most leisure staff from Forest Heath District Council will transfer to ACL.

Mr Bass said: "I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead a committed staff team and, through ACL, continue to provide quality services to customers with pride and a smile!"