PRESS STATEMENT ISSUED 16TH JANUARY 2009 

Re: Rec Trust - Disappointed that terms not yet acceptable to Charity Commission

The Recreation Ground Board of Trustees can confirm that it has received a response from the Charity Commission to the terms of their current proposals for the future use of Bath Recreation Ground. The Trust submitted their proposals on October 14th 2008.

The Commission has indicated that it is unable to support the Trust Board's current proposals to enable the Trust to enter into the proposed new long-term lease with Bath Rugby. The Commission believes the benefits arising from the terms of the Trust's proposals do not yet out-weigh the detriments caused by them. The Commission has made clear that there are opportunities to submit revised proposals. The Commission is prepared to regularise the use of the Rec by the Leisure Centre for the purpose of indoor recreation which means the Leisure Centre will continue to operate as normal.

Councillor Chris Watt, Chairman of the Trust Board, said

"Whilst we welcome clarity around the Leisure Centre, we are deeply disappointed that the Commission feels that at this stage it is unable to proceed to make a new scheme to allow the Trust to enter into the proposed lease for the long term with Bath Rugby plc".

He added, "The Trust Board with its appointed advisors is in the process of considering both the basis upon which the Commission has reached its view and what opportunities exist to either increase benefits or reduce detriment arising from the terms of the current proposals with the Rugby Club. The Commission has also indicated that it is open to accepting revised proposals that would create extra benefits or reduce the detriments. The Trust can also request the Commission to review its decision, which is effectively an appeal.

"Therefore the meeting of the Trust Board will be delayed until 28th January 2009 to give all parties time to reflect on the present position and for the Trust board determine the most appropriate options available in responding to the Commission's response."

Note for Editors: In putting together the proposals the Trust Board has made strenuous efforts to deliver a solution that demonstrates significant benefits to the beneficiaries of the Trust. The proposals put forward by the Board were based on the outcome of the public consultation undertaken in 2006 as part of the Strategic Review of the future of Bath Recreation Ground.