INVERCLYDE Leisure is counting the cost of the second lockdown as it looks set to suffer pandemic losses of £3 million.

The local trust says Covid-19 has had a 'significant impact' and faces a tough two years ahead trying to rebuild the business model.

Pools, gyms and community halls have remained closed for large periods during the pandemic and since last March IL has relied on financial support from the council to cover losses.

A new report by senior council director Ruth Binks said: "Due to the impact of Covid-19 restrictions, Inverclyde Leisure has suffered significant impacts upon its service provision in 2020/21."

Continued Covid-19 restrictions have led to a number of facilities having to close for extended and unknown periods of time.

This year Inverclyde Council ploughed in nearly an extra £1 million on top of the regular management fee to support the trust, which runs sports and community facilities locally.

In recent years there has been more pressure on Inverclyde Leisure to generate income as management fees are reduced due to council budget cuts.

Leisure bosses reported in late 2020 that the funding gap would be £2.28m.

But the second lockdown has brought more losses and the deficit is set to rise by almost £800,000.

The report added: "This is mainly due to the delay in the recovery process for the fitness industry and IL having to rebuild its customer direct debit base."

The Inverclyde Leisure board of directors has expressed its thanks for the council’s continued support through a challenging time.

IL also used the job retention scheme to put most of their staff on furlough.

The trust was given a boost recently when the go-ahead was given for facilities to reopen.

It is also facing fresh competition, with a new JD Gym set to open just yards away from its flagship Waterfront Leisure Centre.