Wokingham Borough Council (WBC)-owned leisure facilities are to be operated by a new charitable trust linked to Leisure Connection with effect from this month (August).

C-SALT - launched last month - will be responsible for the management of Loddon Valley, Carnival Pool and St Crispins, with each retaining the Harpers brand and current facilities.

The trust will reinvest any profits generated into improving facilities, while also being able to benefit from VAT exemption, business rate relief and other funding opportunities.

All three facilities are to be operated in partnership with Leisure Connection, which has been working as WBC's leisure contractor since 1999.

WBC executive member for environment Angus Ross said: "The not-for-profit arrangement, with any surplus cash going back into the arrangement to improve the facilities, will bring new opportunities to meet the needs of our residents."

Click here for WBC's announcement and click here for more information about C-SALT.