A PRIVATE firm may run Weymouth Swimming Pool under a shake-up of council leisure facilities.

The move is proposed in a Weymouth and Portland Borough Council scheme to change and improve the way facilities are run.

Members of the council's community regeneration and culture committee are to debate the changes at a meeting next Wednesday.

A report to the committee also outlines a link-up between Wey Valley School and the Redlands sports centre on Dorchester Road.

Councillor Howard Legg, council finance briefholder, said: "The council is always trying to provide improvements in services or to reduce costs.

"Sometimes a partner can do either or both of these because of their management capability and sharing overheads with other projects."

The report to the committee recommends that the council agree a partnership with Sport & Leisure Management Ltd to operate the swimming pool in Knightsdale Road.

The private company may fund improvements to the gym, refurbish the changing rooms and move the reception area, although it would need to undertake more studies to check if the changes are viable.

The report recommends that Dorset Works Organisation take on maintenance of sports grounds and that Wey Valley School pupils are allowed to use sports pitches at Redlands.

Some of the school's facilities would then be thrown open to the public under the plan.

Coun Andy Blackwood, council briefholder for people and partnerships, said: "By venturing into partnerships with a private sector company, the council can ensure that the borough's sports facilities receive the investment they need to make better provision for residents.

"Sports facilities not only offer health benefits but they also have a bearing on petty crime and vandalism through involving young people in constructive pastimes.

"It is therefore imperative that we look for long-term investment into our facilities."