I am hugely disappointed that Sencio, the leisure trust which operates Sevenoaks Leisure Centre and Lullingstone Park Golf Course (along with Edenbridge Leisure Centre which sits outside of the constituency) has announced it has gone into liquidation, with all sites closing with immediate effect.
At the outset I want to reassure all of you today that the centres will reopen as Sevenoaks District Council Official has plans in place to bring in a new operator. Whilst the timescale for reopening will rest with Sencio’s Insolvency Partner, rather than the council, Sevenoaks District Council are doing all they can to make sure they reopen as quickly as possible and I am offering my full support.
I know today will be a hugely distressing time for staff and members. The centre plays a huge role in our community and I am particularly worried about the loss of the swimming pool for our young club members. I will make representations that arrangements can be made to enable at least some facilities elsewhere to be used by Sencio members, but these are early days, and I will update you if there is any movement in this regard.
There are of course serious questions to ask about how this has happened, but that will follow in the coming days.
I will provide updates as soon as I have them.
