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EW ROLE: Fireman Darren Masini with James and Scott at the fun day and, inset, Ben and Georgia enjoy the duck pond

HUNDREDS of people flocked to Calne Leisure Centre this May Bank Holiday to celebrate its first five months under local control.

More than 600 people attended the fun day and took part in various activities including swimathons, bungee runs, fun fair rides and a barbecue.

The centre was closed in March last year by North Wiltshire District Council after leisure company North Wilts Leisure went into debt, leaving the centre too expensive to run.

It was saved by members of Calne's business community who sold shares to those living in and around Calne to create the Calne Leisure Action Group.

The centre was opened at a ceremony on January 7 this year.

Centre manager Anita Hodgson said: "May Day was a huge success and everything went off without a hitch.

"It was a great way to show the people of Calne and the surrounding areas that the leisure centre is back and stronger than ever before.

"Since we reopened we have had more than 500 people from all over the county sign up as members.

"Although we always knew the leisure centre was going to be a success, it is fair to say we are pleasantly surprised with the great reaction we have had.

"It was an absolute tragedy when the leisure centre was shut and the people of Calne were understandably furious."

Mother-of-two Karen Mayland, 38, of Braemor Road, took her daughters Elizabeth, five, and two-year-old Millie to the fun day.

She said: "It is great that the leisure centre is back and straightaway they are doing something for the community.

"I think that everyone in the town was reeling when the centre was shut and now we can all enjoy the facilities again.

"It was a fantastic, family way to spend the Bank Holiday and I look forward to see what the centre has to offer in the future."

The next major cornerstone for the leisure centre is the conversion of the squash court into a climbing wall later this year.

11:18am Thursday 8th May 2008

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