A NEW community outreach programme, Get, Set Fit, is being launched in West Somerset by 1610 after concerns were raised about the loss of fitness classes and the long- term provision of leisure services for the local community.

The partnership venture follows the ending of 1610’s leisure services ten-year contract to manage West Somerset Sports and Leisure Centre in Minehead on March 27.

Minehead Barbarians Rugby Club, the West Somerset Academy Trust and Manda Clarke’s School of Dance in Minehead are working with 1610 to provide venues for around 20 exercise classes.

For the past decade, 1610 has provided a wide range of multi-sports for adults and children, including developing highly successful children’s trampolining and the Get Set Go gymnastics programmes.

The gymnastics programme has now been transferred to a new base at Minehead First School and the trampolining is also moving to a new home, the Minehead Eye skate park.  

Get Set Fit organiser Suzanne Richards said: “During the past ten years, 1610 has built strong local relationships, not just with our members but with schools and sports clubs, and we want to maintain and build on those links to provide an ongoing leisure service. 

“Our staff have built a rapport with class members who have lobbied us to keep their classes going. 

“Under our monthly membership scheme, participants would be able to access all the classes at different venues or under a pay as you go scheme for £6 per class. We are aiming to provide a versatile and affordable community fitness programme in West Somerset so local people don’t have to travel further afield.”