AN “ambitious” vision for East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure Trust (ERCLT) has been agreed by councillors.

Following the creation of ERCLT in July 2015, a business plan has now been approved by councillors which sets out the ambition of becoming the highest-performing leisure trust in Scotland.

The second ERCLT business plan gives a clear strategic direction that will guide the work of the Trust and its staff to deliver high quality services to the residents and communities of East Renfrewshire.

Services which transferred from the council to ERCLT include sports centres, libraries, community halls, sports and arts development, Active Schools and Eastwood Park Theatre.

Councillor Mary Montague, convener for community services and depute chair of the ERCLT Board, said: “The Trust has now been up-and-running for 18 months and the council is delighted to see how well these services continue to be delivered.

“At the mid-year point of this second year, the Trust remains on track to achieve its targets and I look forward to seeing the business plan kick into action as we continue to strive for improvement.

“The success achieved so far is a tribute to the excellent work and dedication of the staff, management, chief executive and board, who should all be congratulated.”

The business plan focuses on a number of strategic aims, which include establishing ERCLT as a key part of communities, developing a strong workforce, creating a financially sustainable business model, and gaining greater insights into customers to ensure they are attracted to using the Trust’s services.

Anthony McReavy, chief executive of ERCLT, said: “By setting out these key themes within our business plan it will support the Trust to continue improving and also reflects our shared ambition to grow culture and leisure services in East Renfrewshire.

“We want the quality, range and impact of all our services to keep getting better and we are on track to achieve this.

“Since being formed we have made significant strides in a number of areas and are focused on delivering an efficient and professional service to all of our customers.”

In advance of the business plan being presented to council, elected members were given the opportunity to get more detailed information about the Trust’s plans during an information and consultation session.

The business plan approved by councillors is still subject to the confirmation of the ERCLT budget at a full council meeting on February 9.