IT is now common knowledge that the leisure procurement contract, which will secure the future of Meadowlands in Tavistock for the next 25 years, has been awarded to Fusion Lifestyle to commence on December 1, 2016.

I feel sure that many local residents would like to join our Meadowlands User Group Committee, in expressing delight and immense relief that the pool will remain open. The future was far from certain, due to the increasing financial burden on West?Devon Borough Council. At least four years of worry and campaigning are over at last.

Thanks are extended to our West Devon borough councillors, in particular the sub committee, whose vast amount of in-depth work and deliberation, culminated in a recent unanimous council decision to proceed with the new contract.

Contributions from the general public have played a valued part in this successful outcome. Various groups organised emails, letters, protests, a petition, newspaper, television and radio coverage, legal advice and contact with Sport England.

It is a testament to the successful efforts of the management and team, that the pool is efficiently run, welcoming and very popular. Meadowlands is a thriving central asset, bringing visitors to Tavistock from far and wide. Closure would have been a great loss to the town, as well as to we regular users.

Sue Dunstan

Tavistock