Finally, after years of consultation with Herefordshire Council and collaboration with local sports clubs the management of Ross Sports Centre has been transferred from HALO Leisure to a new organisation – Ross Sports Centre CIC

This is the culmination of many years of trying to achieve a sustainable solution for the site for the future. The new company is already taking bookings online at http://www.sport4ross.com">www.sport4ross.com. And there is also an online survey about Ross Sports Centre which the new organisation would like people in Ross to take part in. The survey will also be distributed to every household in the HR9 area.

Trustees from three stakeholder clubs: Ross Cricket Club, Ross Juniors FC and Ross United FC form the management committee of the new Ross Sports Centre CIC.

As many people have said over many years good facilities are fundamental to developing sporting opportunities for the people of Ross. Properly maintained, welcoming facilities are key for grassroots sports clubs to retain, sustain and grow their existing membership and to encourage the wider community to get involved.

The stakeholder clubs, through the new umbrella organisation, have a passionate and vested interest in the future of Ross Sports Centre. They are determined that improving the facilities will increase usage and engender a sense of ownership by the local community which will in turn ensure the viability and sustainable long-term success of the facility.

This new organisation was set up in response to the findings of an independent feasibility study of the site which was commissioned by Ross Sports and Leisure Federation and following extensive consultations with Herefordshire Council.

Sports Solutions GB investigated the viability of improving the existing sports and community facilities at Ross Sports Centre. Their conclusions were published at the end of 2009 but it has taken until now for the right strategic approach for the site to be agreed and implemented.

There are plans to develop a properly-equipped kitchen and refurbished social area, including a bar.

See this week's Gazette for the full story.