SPORTS facilities across the Test Valley are due for a major multi-million pound overhaul, it has been revealed.

It comes after a new company won the battle to take over the borough’s sports centres.

While it was revealed that facilities would undergo a major revamp Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) could not guarantee there would be no price rises or staff cuts.

The council confirmed it had chosen Places for People Leisure Management to run their centres across the district, including Romsey Rapids, which last year celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Places for People will take over from Valley Leisure and TVBC spokeswoman said talks will be taking place in the near future to secure a “smooth transition”.

She said that the council expects the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations to apply to the 300 staff.

Sandra Dodd, chief executive at Places for People Leisure said the company was happy to be awarded the long-term contract.

She said: “We are extremely pleased to have been awarded the contract and are looking forward to working closely alongside Test Valley Borough Council to ensure we offer a leisure service that meets and exceeds community needs.”

However, Kevin Paterson, CEO of Valley Leisure said he was disappointed to see the company’s tenure come to an end.

“We are deeply disappointed that we have not been selected as the preferred bidder as we put forward what we believe to be a very compelling bid,” he added.

“As a large local employer of over 300 local people catering for a footfall of over one million per year, our priority now will be to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible for Valley Leisure employees, so that they can continue to provide excellent customer service over the coming months.”

But, Peter Mann, chairman of Romsey Squash Club, who play at the town’s sport centre, hopes the new management can keep their facilities better maintained.

“I have been playing in the squash courts since they opened, and they have never been this bad,” admitted the 64-year-old.

“Despite constant promises to sweep, heat and repair the courts, nothing has been done by Valley Leisure.

“As a Hampshire league team, the facilities are embarrassing. It is fantastic news to here that Places for People are taking over.

“However, saying that, the Valley Leisure front-end staff are lovely people.

TVBC confirmed significant investment is planned to improve the borough’s leisure facilities.

This investment will help to provide a new state-of-the-art gym at the Rapids, which will include the latest equipment such as powerless treadmills, Octane fitness trainers, Watt Bikes, V plates, Total Gym Gravity trainers and functional equipment such as battle-ropes.

The Romsey Sport Centre will also be getting a number of improvements; these have yet to be revealed, but it is suggested that the squash courts could be upgraded.

Elsewhere in the district, a new leisure centre in Andover will be built, on the current site, and a number of improvements to the other leisure centres including the Knightwood Leisure Centre in Valley Park and Charlton Lakeside Pavilion.