Councillors have denied Castle Point had been snubbed after two of the three firms vying for Castle Point leisure facilities suddenly quit the race.
They withdrew because they said they were too busy bidding for contracts at St Alban's, Westminster and parts of London instead.
This means just one firm, DC Leisure, is now left in the running for Castle Point Council's leisure facilities which include Waterside Farm Sports Centre, Canvey, and Runnymede Pool, Thundersley.
Negotiations are still under way and a progress report is expected at tonight's improvement committee meeting.
When the three companies were first shortlisted, they were sent the documents inviting them to negotiate.
They each asked for more information and each came to visit the facilities.
However, head of leisure services Tony Galloway told councillors two of the firms then announced they were pulling out.
Published Tuesday July 20, 2004
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