THE Everyone Active brand has been announced as the preferred bidder to take over Slough's public leisure facilities - bringing to an end the council's relationship with charity, Slough Community Leisure.

Slough Borough Council made the announcement tonight, Friday April 28, which follows a spat over the bidding process with Slough Community Leisure which, it is understood, did not bid for the new contract.

The Everyone Active brand, the company of which is Sports and Leisure Management Limited, currently runs facilities on behalf of 43 other local authorities in the UK.

The value of the new contract is yet to be disclosed by the council but it is understood that the return is likely to be quicker than it would have been under the current provider.

Sports and Leisure Management Limited is now expected to take over Montem Leisure Centre from June 1, the new Ice Arena, Salt Hill family activity centre (currently Absolutely Ten Pin), Langley Leisure Centre and the new leisure centre on Farnham Road when the construction and refurbishments are complete.

Councillor Joginder Bal, commissioner for leisure and environment, said: “Everyone Active is an excellent company with a proven track record in providing leisure services across the country.

“Our aim is for more Slough residents to be more active, more often and the vision of Everyone Active meshes perfectly.

“I look forward to progressing this and seeing their exciting plans for activities and the centres themselves.”

Dave Bibby, Managing Director of Sport and Leisure Management, said: “We are very much looking forward to getting our new partnership with Slough Borough Council underway.

"This is a particularly exciting time for the borough, with the council investing significant funds in local leisure provision.

“It is a privilege for us to be a part of these investment projects and our focus is now on ensuring we maximise these new facilities and introduce a wide range of new activities to encourage healthier lifestyles.”

Absolutely Ten Pin meanwhile will close next Sunday, May 7. 

Centre Manager for Absolutely Ten Pin, Mat Read said: "We are very sad to be closing the doors of Absolutely Tenpin.

"Since opening in 2010 we have served over a million customers, taken over 250,000 bookings and granted almost £300,000 worth of discounts. In addition, we have repeatedly offered free usage to local schools and charity groups, raising thousands of pounds for good causes."

As a farewell, the charity is offering customers two games for £7 each when booking online  - quoting GOODBYE as the promo code. This offer will be valid up until the final closing.