A SPORTS centre has been taken back under the control of a Halesowen high school, after private operators ceased trading.

A wide range of sports facilities at Leasowes High School are now being offered at affordable rates after school hours, at weekends and during the holidays.

Director of community development Chris Bennett said: “The private company which had run the centre for three years ceased trading and we had to make the decision whether to close it or take it on and decided to run it for community use.”

He is now keen to promote the centre to boost its use by individuals and clubs.

“Leasowes Sports Centre is a hive of physical activity and fun and we would love to see more local people taking advantage of the many activities that are on offer,” said Mr Bennett.

Facilities include a large sports hall suitable for football, cricket, basketball, roller hockey and badminton.

There is also a fitness suite and a gymnasium, which hosts exercise classes including zumba, circuit training, boxercise and aerobics.

Outside there are tennis courts, a large astro turf and basketball court.

Mr Bennett said leisure attendants are available in the fitness centre to give free inductions to advise on how best to use the cardiovascular and weight equipment. Individual and team membership is available and the centre is home to clubs including the Air Dynamix Trampolining Squad, Next Generation Dance Academy and youth and adult badminton clubs.

There is also a family roller disco every Sunday and children’s multi sports camps will be held between July 21 and August 1 between 9am and 3pm.

For more details about the facilities call 01384 818046.