A NEW five-year funding deal which secures leisure provision in the Richmondshire district has now been signed.

The agreement between the district council and Richmondshire Leisure Trust extends the funding relationship between the two organisations up to 2018.

It sets out how the local authority will fund the trust via an annual grant, in return for the management of leisure services, including Richmond swimming pool.

The council’s spokesperson for leisure, Coun Ian Threlfall, said: “This agreement gives further stability and certainty to the relationship between the council and the trust – and to the leisure services available to residents throughout the district.

“And this agreement isn’t just about Richmond pool – it is also about wider leisure provision across the district.”

The chair of the trust, Andy White, added: “This new agreement will give the trust added stability during these challenging financial times.

“Working closely with the council we have done a lot work to make our business more resilient, meaning a sustainable future for the valued leisure services we provide. This agreement is a key part of that work.”

The trust is receiving £263.000 in grant aid from the district council this financial year.