Pendle Leisure Trust – which operates in one of the most deprived areas in England – has appointed Simon Gwynne as CEO.

The people of Pendle are among the 20 per cent most economically deprived in England.

Gwynne has worked in the sector for almost three decades – for the last nine years as partnership manager for Halo Leisure, working closely with Bridgend County Borough Council in delivering for their communities and representing CLUK on the National Board for the NERS (National Exercise Referral Scheme for Public Health Wales).

“Working collaboratively within the region to support the corporate objectives for the council and with our local health partners in tackling health inequalities is a key focus for the role over the next few years," he said.

Established in 2000 on behalf of Pendle Council, Pendle Leisure Trust runs three leisure centres, an athletics and fitness centre, a theatre, a spa and a golf course.

It was the first leisure trust to build a spa, which it did in partnership with Alliance Leisure in 2007, so has had a focus on wellbeing for several decades.

Alison Goode, who is retiring after eight years in the role, said: “Even though Pendle Leisure Trust has faced many challenges – including austerity, COVID and the energy crisis – we've achieved and continue to achieve so much by providing and investing in great services, facilities and activities to support the residents of Pendle to lead a healthy and physically active lifestyle.”