Manager Mel Aldis of Debenham Leisure Centre in Suffolk has refuted claims that the facility could face closure in April owing to a current financial shortfall in funding.

Although the current economic downturn has resulted in less spending by customers on food and beverages at the centre, Aldis has assured Leisure Opportunities that the facilities are well used by local residents and will remain open.

A public meeting is to be held on 13 January at the local high school to discuss how best to increase the amount of funding received by the centre to help cover its running costs. It will be attended by councillors from Mid Suffolk District Council, members of Debenham Parish Council, the directors of the leisure facility and local residents.

One possible avenue of funding being muted is an agreement by residents to pay a higher council tax.

On being asked the District Council’s standpoint on the issue, a spokesperson told Leisure Opportunities: “We have given Debenham Leisure Centre £25,000 a year, for the last three years, to help them manage the centre. We have no intention to withdraw this funding at this time.”

A decision must be made by the end of the month, when Parish and District Council budgets are to be agreed.

The facilities comprise a sports hall; fitness room; squash courts; an all-weather bowls green; tennis courts; football pitches; a floodlit, multi-use games area (seven-a-side astroturf pitch) and a sauna, in addition to a community arts venue equipped with two bars.

A former winner of the Sports Council’s service to Sport Award, operator Debenham Village Hall and Playing Field Trust has obtained sports and arts grants from the District and County Councils, Foundation for Sport and the Arts, Sportsmatch, the Lottery and the private sector. The most recent award of more than £250,000 contributed helped completely refurbish the community centre six years ago.