ONLY ten people applied to join a board of trustees to help run leisure services in Torfaen, forcing the council to extend the application period.

The original closing date was November 16, and a presentation evening for shortlisted applicants was scheduled for November 28.

Interviews were due to be held this week.

But with nine places to be filled the council deemed ten applicants were not enough.

The council will now be holding a presentation evening on Wednesday, December 12, at Pontypool Active Living Centre at 6pm, for anyone interested in becoming a trustee, in the hope that more people will come forward.

The local authority has taken the decision to create a new not-for-profit leisure trust to manage the future delivery of its leisure services, which could take over from as early as next spring.

It is expected to save the council £1.2 million over the next five years.

The trustees will work in a voluntary capacity, setting the strategy for the operation of the leisure facilities and will oversee the delivery of the business plan.

The council is seeking people with a local perspective who can contribute professional and business skills including financial, legal, property and business management.

A one-off budget of around £100,000 would be used to establish the non-profit organisation.

This body would be able to borrow money to improve and maintain the facilities it is responsible for.

A council spokesman said: “We have extended the deadline for applicants to give people more time to come forward. We’ve had a lot of interest from the public but only ten people have officially applied.

“We would encourage everyone to apply as we are looking for a board that will help support and drive forward leisure in Torfaen while best representing the people of Torfaen.”

Application packs can be obtained by contacting Liz Thomas on 01495 766702 or you can e-mail liz.

thomas@torfaen.gov.uk The roles and responsibilities of trustees will be explained at the presentation evening.

For more information contact Robin Thompson on 07584 486046.