COUNCILLORS WILL BE asked to give their approval to additional funding that would permit longer opening hours at two community and sports centres.
The facilities at Keith and Lossiemouth have been operating on extended weekend opening hours on a trial basis since January – the result of a review of sport and leisure provision throughout Moray.
Both centres remained open until 4pm on Saturday’s and Sunday’s rather than the previous 1pm closing time – now officials say that led to a “significant increase” in user numbers to the swimming pools, sports halls and fitness facilities.
As a result a report to the policy and resources committee next week is asking for approval to fund both centres to remain open until 3pm at weekends from October to March before reverting to 1pm during quieter summer months.
Staff have been consulted over the proposals and Councillors will be told that the additional costs involved would amount to £8900.