The Fairway Sports Complex.
TWO of the Island’s best-used sports centres face an uncertain future after the IW Council decided to end its subsidy.
Fairway Sports Complex, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, and Ryde Sports Centre, will receive no further IW Council money from August.
The cut was announced after contracts to run both Sandown High and Ryde High, where the two facilities are sited, were awarded to Academies Enterprise Trust (AET).
Originally, AET were to begin their contracts in August, with the IW Council ending its subsidy to coincide with the handover.
However, because of the amount of time it takes to establish the appropriate governance and management structures for both academy schools, the handover has been put back to August 2011.
The IW Council will not be providing financial support to the centres in the interim, although it is investigating whether other grant money could be used.
John Metcalfe, assistant director of economic development, tourism and leisure, said the council’s decision to cease funding was partly because the two schools already have a responsibility, under the Extended Schools Programme, to increase their use by the community.
"In order to help the schools through this transition period and against the backdrop of the need to deliver savings across the authority, the council has agreed the funding, which had previously only be allocated for use until September 2010, can now be used for the full financial year, until the end of March 2011," he said. "The council does acknowledge this figure is less than the schools have previously received for a full year and is therefore liaising with both to help them operate until they become academies."
He added both Ryde and Sandown do have other IW Council-run leisure facilities in close proximity.
Paul Biddlecombe, who has been manager of Fairway for 27 years, claims the best way to make the necessary savings is to make him redundant.
He said: "It is a crying shame that we have been put in this position. 36 clubs and groups use this place, where are they going to go?"
A meeting of Sandown High School’s management committee, including Mr Biddlecombe, was held this week to discuss the situation at the Fairway.
Headteacher John Brad-shaw, said: "The management committee reaffirmed its commitment to community provision but recognised that the current programme will need to be adjusted in the light of the council’s decision."
"A further meeting will be held later this month to consider options for making the necessary savings."
Terry Blunden, of the IW Sport and Recreation Council, said: "Many of the Island’s talented sportspeople have had their interest awakened and their skills developed while attending club sessions at Island sports centres.
"If opening hours are reduced or closures envisaged, then it could be a sad day for Island sport and general community recreational use."
Reporter: sport@iwcpmail.co.uk