THE company which has run Bexley's leisure facilities for the past 10 years is to be replaced.

Leisure Link, a trust created by the council, was one of two bidders hoping to build and run new facilities in Bexley.

But behind closed doors, Bexley's Tory cabinet members awarded the multi-million pound contract to rival bidder Boxwood.

Leisure Link, which employs 295 staff and 250 casual workers such as specialist coaches, currently runs Bexley's two sports centres, three swimming pools, Barnehurst golf course and outdoor sports activities across the borough.

It will continue to run the golf course and outdoor activities.

The not-for-profit company was created by the council and many of its staff were originally employees of the council's recreation department.

Some staff will be transferred to Boxwood, while others will remain with Leisure Link, which also manages Becketts sports centre in Dartford and has just won the contract to build and manage an indoor centre in Ealing.

It formed Olympia Leisure with partners Alfred McAlpine and Royal Bank of Scotland, to bid for the Bexley contract.

Only last month, chief executive David Kerrigan, formerly Bexley Council's chief recreation officer, parted company with Leisure Link, although the company refuses to say why.

Its chairman, John McWilliam, has taken over as temporary chief executive. The company is also pursuing a judicial review of Bexley's decision to stop paying the company's monthly £85,000 bill for managing the services.

The case is due to be heard in the High Court next month, but discussions are still underway between council officials and the company's board.

The plans mean Bexley will be spending £2m a year on leisure for the next 30 years but new pools will be built at Erith, Crook Log and Sidcup at a cost of £25m.

Council leader Mike Slaughter said "The new package will bring Bexley's leisure facilities into the 21st Century."

Mr McWilliam told the News Shopper: "Obviously we are disappointed to have been told by the council that we were not successful."

He said his staff would be working with the council to make sure leisure services are not affected during the transition period.

December 28, 2001 17:00