YEOVIL NEWS: Staff left devastated at news of Westland leisure complex closure

STAFF at the Westland leisure complex in Yeovil have said they have been left devastated by news that the facility is to close later this year.

The staff from SODEXO, who had been running the complex, were given a statement this morning (Tuesday, May 12, 2015) from business partner AgustaWestland that the site will be closed by end the end of September.

It means that 29 part-time and full-time members of staff will be forced to find alternative employment.

The Westlands Yeovil team, speaking on its social networking Facebook site, said: “We are very disappointed by the news and want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us over the last few years and to reassure our loyal customers that existing bookings up to the end of September will be honoured.”

“It is with regret that AgustaWestland Ltd announces today that the Westlands Leisure and Sports Complex in Yeovil will close at the end of September 2015.

“Two years ago following a formal tender process, SODEXO were appointed by the company to manage and develop the commercial activities of the facility.

“The remit was to return the facility to its former position as a key venue within the area and move to a cost neutral and potential profit making establishment.

“Despite the best efforts of SODEXO, and specifically their dedicated staff, in conjunction with us, the proprietor, this aim has not been achieved and we will again see significant financial losses for the 2014-15 financial year.

“With this year reality, and considering further significant expenditure is required to support basic Health, Safety and Environment and infrastructure projects, it has become clear that we would have to continue to increase the subsidy to keep the facility open.

“To minimise the impact of the closure of the facility to members, sections of the community, it has been agreed to maintain normal operations of the complex until the end of September 2015, with all bookings that have been made up to this date being honoured.

“The management of the facility will be contacting all those that have made bookings for events and private functions at the complex as soon as possible.”

The statement adds: “The 29 part and full-time employees who work at the facility have been informed this morning of the planned closure by SODEXO, who will be supporting them through the process and seeking alternative employment for them where possible.

“Letters have been sent to the various sections that operate from the site informing them of this news and giving a commitment of working with them to make the closure process as smooth as possible.

“In addition a formal closure notice has been produced and displayed in a number of locations around the leisure complex site.”

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