Libraries and pools at risk from council cuts

School swimming pools could close as part of a huge shake-up of leisure services in Walsall, it was revealed today.

Council bosses are considering keeping just six of the borough's 21 school pools. The shake-up plans also include bringing in volunteers to help deliver services and re-branding leisure centres and libraries.

All four centres could be refurbished and libraries open for longer.

It was also revealed today that neighbouring Sandwell Council could close a number of its 19 libraries and reduce opening hours at remaining sites - resulting in job losses.

The hard-hitting proposals were revealed in council reports looking at the future of leisure services in both areas. Walsall Council needs to save £70 million and Sandwell £65m over the next four years.

Walsall's report says the borough needs no more than six school pools alongside its four leisure centres.

It states: "Retaining every current school swimming pool would be unaffordable for the council in the current financial climate."

The initial list of pools that could remain open comprises Alumwell Business & Enterprise College, Brownhills Community Technology College, Barr Beacon Language College, Rushall's Education Development Centre, Streetly Specialist Sports College and Willenhall Sports College.

The report also recommends the leisure centres at Bloxwich, Darlaston, Oak Park and Walsall Gala Baths are refurbished and rebranded as Health and Wellbeing Centres. Willenhall Leisure Centre was closed in August under cost-cutting.

The report, which will now go before the decision-making cabinet, was put together by a working group.