D C Leisure Management Ltd has operated the Regional Fitness and Swimming Centre, Lido and Athletics Track in Peterborough since 1999. In a recent Best Value report, the sports service covering these facilities as well as the Council operated Dual Use Facilities, was awarded a two star or 'good' rating. The council were advised that "there were promising prospects for improvement" which suggested further partnerships with the private sector.

A Press Release (February 2002) indicates that the council took these comments to heart and as a result were committed to further developing their partnership with D C Leisure, recognising our involvement in developing and improving the service at the Regional Fitness and Swimming Centre. Paul Stevenette, Project Manager, Sports and Recreation Services commented:

" D C Leisure is regarded as being a progressive and forward thinking partner and we have worked closely with them for the past three years. We are keen to develop further partnerships to develop the quality of sports provision and improve sporting opportunities in Peterborough. We believe that this can be best achieved by working together in partnership with the private sector to ensure long term investment for the benefit of local residents."

The Best Value review surveyed the opinions of residents who currently use the Regional Fitness and Swimming Centrel and it seems that this move will be favourably received. Comments quoted in the review included the following:

" There has been recent investment in the facilities. Regular users of the Regional Fitness and Swimming Centre commented favourably to us on the improvements. These were funded jointly by D C Leisure and the Council."

" Customers are generally satisfied with the sports service. The MORI survey conducted for the Council's Best Value Performance Plan shows customer satisfaction at 78%. When the Sports Service consulted users, satisfaction levels ranged from 72% for refreshment facilities to 89% for general satisfaction within all sports centres and swimming pools in Peterborough. This compares well with national data where satisfaction levels average 76%."

" When we talked to regular customers they were clearly satisfied with the service they were getting. There is a formal complaints procedure in place, but we were told by staff that it is rarely used because most issues are sorted out straight away. This is borne out by complaints data from the council and what users have told us."

The Council have just awarded D C Leisure a two year extension to the current contract which commenced on 1 April 2004 and concludes on 31st March 2006.