Summer offering ‘is not good enough’

Sue Davidson, who was looking for things to do for her foster children and grandchildren, says the options provided by Active Northumberland are limited compared to other towns in the south east of the county.

The organisation and Cramlington Town Council have highlighted the range of activities available and are working together on a future programme.

Mrs Davidson said: “Looking at the Active Northumberland website, there were some really interesting activities and a decent range of them in Ashington, Blyth, Newbiggin and the Seaton Valley, most of them subsidised by the council and so at a reduced rate.

“When searching for Cramlington, there is nothing on at all extra, other than clip ‘n climb and bowling, which are already available at the leisure centre.

“I was shocked to see this and it’s quite obvious that the leisure activities funding for Cramlington is much lower than other nearby towns.”

Phil Evans, manager at Concordia Leisure Centre in Cramlington, said: “The centre offers an extensive range of sports and activities for the local community, including swimming, clip ‘n climb, softplay, bowling, football and badminton.

“We are also offering a 50 per cent discount on activities in the sports hall over the summer holidays.

“Following talks with Cramlington Town Council, we will be looking to lay on a wider community activity programme for young people during school holidays in facilities around the town.

“Our plan is to work with the council and other local partners to develop a subsidised holiday activity programme, which will start in the October half-term.

“We will see how this is received and if it is successful, we will look to extend it in the future.”

A town council spokesman added that activities are also being provided by Cramlington Voluntary Youth Project and Cramlington Kids Club, among others, and it is working with youth providers, for example, NE Youth, to provide outreach workers and diversionary activities for older children.