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New company to take over Flintshire’s library and leisure services

Published: 25/10/2024

Leisure and library services in Flintshire will operate under a new name from next month.

Flintshire County Council has set up a Local Authority Trading Company to take over from the current provider Aura when the contract comes to an end on October 31.

A long-term contract was offered to Aura earlier this year, however, Aura declined to sign. Therefore, Flintshire Libraries and Leisure (FLL) will be responsible for running the county’s libraries, leisure centres, museums and play services from November. 

We intend to reopen services as normal on November 5, as long as it is safe and compliant to do so and having undertaken a business reset. All employees currently working for Aura are eligible to transfer over to FLL on their existing terms and will be expected to turn up to work as normal.

Unfortunately, any bookings taken by Aura for November 1 to 4 cannot be honoured and will be refunded. The Council does not hold the data necessary to contact Aura customers and has asked that Aura notify those affected by the short closure.

Aura will also soon be in contact with anyone who pays subscriptions by Direct Debit to explain the transfer process, but residents can be assured that in the future, Flintshire County Council and FLL will collect the Direct Debit payments instead of Aura, and there will be no need for residents to complete a new direct debit instruction. 

Councillor Dave Hughes, Leader of the Council, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming everyone into Flintshire Libraries and Leisure and are committed to continuing to provide high-quality services for the people of Flintshire.

“We are doing everything we can to ensure a seamless transfer with minimal disruption to customers, however, there will be a need for some interim arrangements while we establish a new model of delivery. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused, however, the Council needs to take the time to ensure that all buildings and equipment are safe and compliant for customers.

“I would like to thank Aura for their work over the last seven years and it is regrettable that a new agreement that satisfies grant funding requirements could not be reached. The employees have shown their passion and dedication, and I hope we can now move forward together and continue to provide the very best services for the people of Flintshire.”

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