WEST Somerset Sports and Leisure Centre is preparing for new management from April.

Bridgwater and Taunton College Trust Leisure Ltd is taking over from the 1610 organisation which has had its Somerset County Council funding withdrawn.

General manager Clive Wilson said this week the changeover will take place at the beginning of April.

New gym equipment will be installed, followed by refurbishment in the summer to further improve the facilities.

“Over the past four years we have operated the sports development centre at Bridgwater College Academy and aim to replicate the friendly community atmosphere in Minehead,” Mr Wilson said.

Opening hours will remain the same – 7am to 10pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 3pm on Saturday.