Ards and North Down Council is currently considering changes on how Leisure services are to be run across the Council in the near future. Currently the contract for running services lies with SERCO, through a legacy contract that was put in place by the former Ards and North Down Council, but this arrangement is due to end in 2028 and a decision regarding “what happens next” is due to be taken by the Council on Thursday 18th September 2025.
The options are:
- Services remain the way they are at present, i.e. the former North Down Council Leisure facilities staying outsourced and continuing to be run by a private company (currently SERCO), with the former Ards Council facilities remaining in-house.
- All facilities to be outsourced.
- All outsourced facilities are brought back in-house to be Council run.
NIPSA is campaigning for a return to a fully in-house, publicly run service. This would mean better job security, fair pay and union support for staff, but it would also help ensure that leisure services are kept affordable for the public/rate payers.
Over the past several weeks trade unions have met with Councillors from all parties to put forward practical arguments for bringing all leisure facilities back under full Council control.
The next step is a protest arranged this week for Wednesday 27 August at 6.30pm at Bangor City Hall Council Offices.
NIPSA and Leisure workers are asking for your support. Please make every effort to attend and, if possible, bring family members and friends. Please join us in saying no to further privatisation of Leisure Services in Ards and North Down Council. Help us fight to keep leisure services in-house and affordable.
A strong turnout will send a clear message to decision-makers that we will not stand by while jobs and services are put at risk.