Rossendale Leisure Trust chief executive resigns (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Rossendale Leisure Trust chief executive resigns

4:14pm Wednesday 8th July 2009 in

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THE chief executive of the much-criticised Rossendale Leisure Trust has announced his resignation.

Gary Hood has stepped down from managing the organisation which runs sports centres and swimming pools in the Valley, but said it has nothing to do with the council’s review of leisure which has recently been launched.

During the last six months huge financial losses were recorded in leisure facilities across the borough, which resulted in councillors and residents questioning the trust’s ability to manage swimming pools and sports centres.

Mr Hood said that despite a turbulent six months, his departure is due to personal reasons.

He said: “The past six months has seen the commencement of the leisure review, my decision to leave is not connected to that in any way.

“I understand the borough council has limited resources and has some difficult decisions to make, but I am sure the review will show that Rossendale Leisure Trust is a very hard working community focused organisation which has brought and will continue to bring great benefit to Rossendale.

“I will also miss working with the staff and partners who have supported the leisure trust through very challenging times.”

Mr Hood arrived in Rossendale in June 2004.

Norman Hauserman, chairman of Rossendale Leisure Trust, said: “On behalf of the Board of Trustees I would like to express the board’s gratitude for all the hard work and success that Gary and the team have brought to this project over the last five years.

“Martin Kay who is well known to the sporting community across Rossendale will take up the duties of interim chief executive through to the conclusion of the leisure review."