FRIENDS and colleagues of Alan Elliott – the man behind a trail-blazing fitness centre that pioneered the inclusion of people disabilities and special needs – were given reassurances about the future of the facility after gathering in Cinderford to mark his retirement.

This Sunday (April 2) will mark the 35th anniversary since he took over the running of the centre with wife Barbara and a team of volunteers, but it will now be run by Freedom Leisure which runs the district’s five leisure centres on behalf of the Forest of Dean District Council. 

The centre has been on its current site at the Forest High School since 1991 and Freedom’s area manager promised the volunteers will remain an important part of the team and there will be investment in new equipment. 

Mr Elliott said: “It’s not about Alan Elliott: it’s about all you who have helped over the last 26 years and a wonderful team of people. 

“It was me who press-ganged all these people into being volunteers at this centre and they should be very proud of themselves because without these people, this wouldn’t work. 

“There are many years of experience and you can’t give them that in a classroom or with a certificate. They are wonderful people and several are carers in their own right. 

“This was one of the first inclusive fitness sites in the country and I’m pleased Freedom Leisure is encompassing this team of volunteers and is going to work with them – they will be an asset.”

He also paid tribute to those who had raised funds both for the centre and the wider Forest community and to his wife Barbara who was behind rehabilitation sessions. 

Freedom Leisure’s area manager, Dave Spencer, said: “I know there have been a lot of concerns about what will happen in the future. 

“As regards Alan’s legacy to this place, that is going to continue without a shadow of a doubt. 

“There will be changes within the fitness suite. We will look to update some of the equipment and we are looking to extend the opening hours from 7am until 9pm. 

“Some of the volunteers have come to me worried about the future – these guys are going nowhere. We cannot manage this site without their expertise and knowledge. 

Freedom, which officially takes over the contract on Saturday (April 1), says it is looking to invest some £205,000 and while there has been “excellent” work for the disabled and over-60s, there will be a push to attract new users. 

Cinderford Town Council have also been brought on board as trustees – and Chair, Cllr Lynn Sterry, said there was unanimous support for the move. 

She said: “We became involved at the specific request of Alan. What he has done over the years is a fantastic achievement. 

“This is his legacy to the people of this town and of the Forest of Dean.”