Hundreds of jobs in danger as Worthing, Adur and Horsham leisure centres on brink of collapse

A leisure company that operates gyms across West Sussex is facing collapse without financial support.
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Impulse Leisure runs three sites in Adur, The Gym Hub in Worthing's Guildbourne Centre and Storrington Leisure Centre but has been hit by the Government's decision not to reopen gyms on July 4.

The company's Adur arm, Adur Community Leisure (ACL), has requested financial support from Adur District Council and warned, if it is not granted, 154 jobs could be lost.

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In an email to its customers, Impulse Leisure said: "As a result of four months of enforced mandatory closure by Government during lockdown without membership fees, activity income or ability to access government support, like many similar organisations nationwide, it is now imperative that an immediate financial support package is agreed by ADC.

Lancing Manor Leisure Centre. Pic: GoogleLancing Manor Leisure Centre. Pic: Google
Lancing Manor Leisure Centre. Pic: Google

"ACL expect an official decision from ADC regarding the provision of financial support at ADC’s Joint Strategic Committee on July 7, 2020.

"Unfortunately, we are aware that it is highly unlikely that elected members will approve the additional funding required to operate under the new social distancing measures.

"Should ADC decide not to fund its leisure service, this will force the prolonged closure of Lancing Manor Leisure Centre, Southwick Leisure Centre and Wadurs Community Pool with the loss of 154 local jobs, the loss of leisure provision in the area and the impact this will have on health and wellbeing."

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The company warned that, should Adur Community Leisure cease trading, The Gym Hub in Worthing and Storrington Leisure Centre may also be forced to close.

As lockdown was announced, the company froze the direct debits of its members but gave the option for some to continue paying as a donation to help keep the company, which is a registered charity, afloat.

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