More users and better facilities at the Marina Centre, together with funding to provide additional sport and leisure opportunities across the borough were highlighted at the Great Yarmouth Sport and Leisure Trust’s recent AGM.

Formed two years ago to take on the day-to-day running of the town’s Marina Centre, the Trust has seen growth of five per cent in the number of people using the sport and swimming centre.

“This has been partly because we have improved facilities in the gym,” said the Trust’s chief executive Marie Hartley.

“Also people feel more at ease using the Marina when they see the kind of security barrier improvements we have made in the foyer, it has cut vandalism as only genuine users are now admitted.”

The Trust has also secured £35,000 from Sport England’s Community Investment Fund which will help support five programmes, more details of which are to be announced. The Trust’s role will be to manage and administer the funds.

The Phoenix Pool at Bradwell came under the Trust’s care in April to be run in partnership with the Marina. Assessment work is underway to see what help can be given the staff to maintain the high standard of service they already provide.

Marie also revealed that talks are underway with schools throughout the borough with the proposal that the Trust will offer a management service to enable public access to sport and leisure facilities out of school hours.

“We can facilitate bookings, supervision of events and security,” explained Marie. “We hope that schools will take up the offer, as it would not entail them in organising anything, but would give residents access to a variety of additional amenities.

“Those schools that chose to take part will find that the scheme is mutually beneficial.”

“We have seen another positive year for the Trust,” said chairman Graham Plant. “And with future growth anticipated, the future for the Trust continues to look bright.

“This is good news for local residents as the Trust strives to ensure future development and success to provide quality community sport and leisure provision across the borough.”

The Trust was formed in 2006 when the previous management company stepped down. It is a partnership made up of representatives of the Borough and County Councils, Primary Care Trust, Sports Partnership and the Tourist Authority.

For further information contact Great Yarmouth Sport and Leisure Trust chief executive Marie Hartley on 01493 846354 or email mlh@great-yarmouth.gov.uk.