NINE of the borough’s sporting facilities are being taken over by a charity, Lewisham Council has announced.

Fusion Lifestyle will take on a 15-year leisure management contract when the council’s current agreement with Parkwood Leisure expires later this year.

Due to start on October 15, but subject to approval by the government’s Sport England agency, Fusion will be running gyms, swimming pools and an outdoor athletics track on behalf of the council.

The charity will run Ladywell Arena, Sydenham’s The Bridge, Wavelengths in Deptford and Ladywell leisure centres.

It is also set to take on Loampit Vale Leisure Centre and Forest Hill Pools once they reopen and will be working with schools so their facilities can be put to community use.

Concerned users set up the Save Ladywell Arena campaign earlier this year over fears it could be handed over to a private company. It is now a users group for the facility.

Member Annette Lewis said: We hope, once they take over, we’ll have a meeting at an early opportunity and work with them.

"We’d also hope current staff will be safeguarded.”

Fusion already runs 51 sites in London and the south east including Brockwell Lido and Peckham Pulse Leisure Centre.

Its business development director Tim Mills said: "Improving leisure and cultural opportunities is a key priority for Lewisham Council and the team at Fusion is looking forward to delivering exciting developments over the next few years.

“As a registered charity, we are committed to providing the local community with high quality services at a price people are willing and able to pay".

For information on Fusion visit fusion-lifestyle.co.uk