LEISURE SERVICES

Director of Leisure Services: Archie Walls

From the management of the Council's three leisure centres (Ards, Comber and Portaferry) as well as other sports facilities, the remit of the Leisure Services Department also includes responsibility for a range of cultural and sporting functions.

The Department operates a successful sports development programme, including dedicated schemes for football. The section is also responsible for the area's Sports Development Committee, an umbrella group established by the Council and run for and by local sports clubs.

A vibrant arts programme, co-ordinated by Ards Arts Centre in conjunction with its Arts Committee, encompasses both visual and performing arts, aiming to increase the quality and accessibility of the arts within the Borough. This area of work, along with community arts development is also undertaken by the Leisure Services Department.

The provision and maintenance of dedicated community centres is also a responsibility of the Department.