A trust that runs four leisure venues in Mansfield has added its support to a campaign to protect staff from violence and abuse.

Mansfield District Leisure Trust staged a local launch for operating partner Serco’s Respect and Protect campaign, a zero tolerance policy towards any violence, aggression or abuse directed against staff.

The event was held at Oak Tree Leisure Centre. The trust and Serco also operate River Main Recreation Centre, Water Meadows Fitness and Swimming Centre, and the Rebecca Adlington Swimming Centre.

Serco’s leisure division managing director, Simon Bailey, said: “We want our teams to know that every incident of verbal or physical abuse has to be reported.

“And we want those making these threats or carrying out these acts to know that we will support our people all the way and, where necessary, involve enforcement agencies.

“In 2018, across the MDLT contract, there were 10 reported incidents of either physical or verbal abuse aimed at members of the team here. This number is down from the 16 recorded in 2017, but some incidents do not get reported, which is why the awareness around this campaign is so crucial.”

Mariam Amos, Strategic Director at Mansfield District Council, said: “As a council, we fully support Serco’s Respect and Protect campaign. Although the decrease in reported incidents at our leisure centres is encouraging, any more than zero is too many. All employees everywhere deserve to be treated with dignity and respect while carrying out their jobs.”