GWYNEDD Council is looking to set up a private company to run its leisure centres.

There are currently 12 council-run leisure centres in Gwynedd – including Bala, Porthmadog, Tywyn, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Pwllheli, Dolgellau, Barmouth, and Penygroes – at a cost of almost £5m a year.

The service costs taxpayers £1.9m a year, with around £3.1m being generated through admission and membership fees.

But in November of last year councillors asked officers to look at options of how savings could be made in the face of further cuts – avoiding any leisure centre closures or job losses.

After months of planning a report compiled for the council’s education and economy committee proposes to set up a council-owned company to take the leisure centres over.

The authority believes the plan would allow it to make savings of around £585,000 a year – without having an impact on its leisure provision, or staff.

Cllr Craig ab Iago, Gwynedd Council Cabinet member who leads on leisure matters said: “We have developed a proposal that will allow us to address the current financial pressure while continuing to maintain the county’s network of 12 leisure centres.

“At the same time, we are committed to developing a model that protects the rights of our employees as well as maintaining the bilingual service offered at our centres.

“While we can’t ignore the possibility that the Westminster Government may look to roll-out further cuts in the future, we believe that the proposal we’re setting forward will provide the best way of keeping Gwynedd’s leisure centres open.”

A final decision on the proposal will made by the full council on 5 October.

The report warns: “Unless the council continues to keep up with the changing needs of users, there is a real risk that the centres will not achieve their aim of supporting and inspiring the people of Gwynedd to live healthy lives.

It adds: “Transferring the provision to a body that is qualified for relief from those taxes would lead to a significant saving in costs for the service.

“The key is, of course, the theory that such savings will not affect the level and quality of service for residents.

“Due to the extremely challenging financial context, carrying on with the status quo would mean the authority would have little option but to consider the closure of a number of the county’s leisure centres.”

Assembly member for Mid and West Wales Joyce Watson found the proposal “interesting”.

She said: “I know that other local authorities have considered similar models and again wonder if any comparison has been taken on board in terms of population, affordability for access etc.

“I find this interesting and wonder if Gwynedd Council will add sustainable futures for any of the leisure facilities that have already become community enterprises.

“What, if any, consideration or learning has been given to the alternative models, particularly in Harlech?”