SERVICES at Machynlleth Leisure Centre are at risk of being “cut by stealth” a town councillor has claimed - with Powys Council alr­eady considering renegotiating its deal with the contractor that runs the centre.

Cllr Rhydian Mason said he had serious concerns about the future of services at the leisure centre after a letter from Powys Council said it was looking to make further savings in leisure services which could see the authority decide to either cut some leisure services or ask community groups to take them over without any funding from the county council.

He said he feared Powys Council would “pass the buck” and expect Machynlleth residents to pay to keep services running by paying a higher precept to the town council.

Cllr Mason said: “There seems to be an annual or monthly fee paid by Powys Council to the contractor and Powys Council wants to reduce that amount.

“It seems to me to be a stealthy way to reduce the payment to the contractor which will reduce the level of service and leave the local community expected to make up the difference.”