THE body which runs local gyms, sports centres and pools is facing losses of up to £1.2m as a result of the Covid-19 shutdown.

The closure of Inverclyde Leisure's facilities has had a huge impact on the trust's finances.

Council bosses have stepped in to increase financial support but a new report by officials warns that this kind of backing may have to continue for the foreseeable future to save the leisure sector locally.

Education and communities director Ruth Binks said: "Within the regular Covid updates to the policy and resources executive sub-committee an allowance of around £820,000 for increased subsidy to Inverclyde Leisure in 2020/21 has been factored in.

"Based on the recent report to the Inverclyde Leisure board it is recommended that this allowance be increased to £900,000 on the basis that IL fund the balance from their own reserves.

"The scale of the deficit in 2020/21 and the medium term recovery issues outlined in this report make it almost certain that the council’s contribution to Inverclyde Leisure will need to be increased in the medium term."

There was good news at last for IL this week when First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced that gyms and pools could reopen from August 31 but the organisation faces tough times ahead.

A similar cash crisis is facing the Beacon Arts Centre.

Municipal Buildings bosses are now asking both Inverclyde Leisure and the Beacon to revise their budget projections.

In her report Ms Binks said: "It is very difficult to predict the recovery trajectory of the leisure and arts.

"People will be more nervous about undertaking activities and attending busy events.

"The theatre industry often relies on productions which have been months in the planning, production and rehearsal phase.

"Given the nervousness about a possible second wave of Covid-19 and local lockdowns, companies could be more reluctant to commit to future events.

"The leisure industry may also suffer with people more nervous to take out subscriptions and to use facilities.

"It is expected that some individuals will have discovered other ways of maintaining fitness levels and will not readily return to fitness gyms etc."

The report states the Beacon should not need more funding because of financial support from both the Scottish Government and the UK Government.

The report added: "There is no similar funding source for the leisure industry."