Snow-sports centre closes as charity ceases

A sports centre has said it is closed "until further notice" after the charity that operated it suddenly ceased trading.

Alpine Snowsports Aldershot in Hampshire was run by Active Nation UK, which ceased operations at 23:59 BST on Wednesday.

Rushmoor Borough Council, which owns the sports centre, said it was "taking urgent legal advice and considering future options for the centre".

The charity also operated seven leisure facilities in Southampton, all of which are open as normal.

Rushmoor Borough Council said customers with bookings or memberships at Alpine Snowsports Aldershot should wait for an update.

"We are conscious that a number of events are planned to take place over the Easter school holidays and will provide an update as soon as possible," the council said.

"In the meantime, all events at the centre have been cancelled until further notice."

Alpine Snowsports Southampton, Bitterne Leisure Centre, Chamberlayne Leisure Centre, The Quays Swimming and Diving Complex, Southampton Water Activities Centre, The Outdoor Sports Centre and Woodmill Outdoor Activities Centre - all in Southampton - were also operated by the national wellbeing charity.

It also managed the booking of facilities and pitches in the city at Riverside Park, Outdoor Sports Centre, Millbrook Recreation Ground, Green Park, Veracity Recreation Ground, Mayfield Recreation Ground and Lordshill Recreation Ground.

Southampton City Council said it was working to ensure all memberships, bookings, and staff would be transferred to Places Leisure, the council's main contractor.

"Southampton City Council is working closely with Places Leisure, our leisure services provider, to ensure that residents can continue to enjoy our leisure facilities, as our sub-contractor, Active Nation, has ceased trading," said leader Lorna Fielker.

"I appreciate that this will be a difficult time for staff and have been assured that they will be offered appropriate support during this transition period."

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