We are deeply disappointed that, despite a close vote, the DUP and UUP have chosen to maintain the current two-tier leisure model - keeping Ards leisure services in-house while outsourcing those in North Down.

While we welcome the decision to keep Ards Leisure public, it is unfair, shortsighted, and economically unsound that North Down’s Aurora and Queens Leisure Complex continue to be outsourced.

“Residents and staff in North Down are clearly being treated as second-class,” said Councillor Kendall. “It is unacceptable that the Council supports this two-tier system.”

Cllr Barry McKee added:  
“Ards residents benefit from publicly-run leisure, but Holywood and Bangor are stuck with outsourced services lacking transparency and accountability. Tonight was a missed chance to ensure fairness across the Borough. The Green Party has opposed leisure outsourcing from the start and will keep fighting for services that are fair, transparent, and fully public.”

Cllr Lauren Kendall said:  
“Leisure services are essential for health, wellbeing, and community connection. By refusing to bring all services in-house, the Council lets inequality persist for Holywood and Bangor residents, many of whom rely on affordable, accessible public leisure.”

The Green Party will continue campaigning for a fully in-house, publicly accountable leisure service that ends the two-tier system and ensures equal standards for all.

ENDS

Green Party Councillor Lauren Kendall has reaffirmed her strong opposition to the proposed privatisation of leisure services in the Borough, following the recent public demonstration in support of keeping services in-house and not-for-profit.

“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who came out last week to stand up for public leisure services,” said Cllr Kendall. “It was a privilege to join you. Your voices matter, and your presence sent a clear message: our communities and our employees value accessible, inclusive, and publicly accountable leisure provision.”

Cllr Kendall is urging even more residents to make their views known at the upcoming council meeting on 18th September, where the future of leisure services will be debated and decided.

Join the protest:

 Bangor City Hall

 6:30pm, Wednesday 18th September

 Let your voice be heard before the 7pm council meeting

“Councillors are elected to serve the people of the Borough—not private interests,” she said. “We must reject any model that risks continuing a two-tier system where some areas enjoy high-quality services while others are left to profiteers. A hybrid model is simply not good enough, the status quo cannot remain.”

The councillor expressed astonishment at learning that incredibly limited consultation had taken place with leisure staff on the ground, despite assurances from senior Directors that engagement had occurred. “It’s deeply concerning that the very people who run our leisure centres day in and day out were not properly consulted,” she said. “Their insights are invaluable, and their voices must be heard.”

She also extended her thanks to all Council and leisure employees who have spoken out and made their views known. “Your courage and commitment to public service is deeply appreciated,” she added.

Cllr Kendall pointed to successful examples like Tower Hamlets, where leisure services were recently brought back in-house under the ‘Be Well’ initiative. Tower Hamlets Council prioritised health outcomes and accessibility, investing in upgraded facilities and targeted programmes for women, older adults, and those with long-term conditions.

“Tower Hamlets and other UK councils have shown that public control of leisure services leads to better outcomes for residents,” said Cllr Kendall. “We must follow their lead and ensure our leisure centres remain community hubs—not profit centres.”

Unions including GMB, NIPSA, and Unite have warned that full privatisation could have far-reaching consequences for workers, families, and the quality of leisure provision. They argue that council-run facilities are more affordable, secure jobs, and reinvest in public services.

Cllr Kendall concluded:
“Now is the time to act. Let’s protect our public services, stand up for fairness, and ensure leisure remains a right—not a privilege and not for profit.”

ENDS