COUNCILLORS say they are making every effort to keep leisure centres in Pendle open.

The Liberal Democrat group is calling for the the Pendle Leisure Trust to consider saving to safeguard the future of Pendle’s sports and leisure centres.

Councillors say they have tabled a resolution for next week’s full Pendle Council meeting saying any closures won’t be acceptable to residents of the borough.

Pendle councillor David Whipp said: “At the moment, many services in Pendle are being kept going by using council reserves, but the money in the bank is running out and government cuts continue year after year.

“The funding from the council to the leisure trust has almost halved and will need to reduce further if there’s to be a balanced budget in a couple of years time.

“Saving our swimming pools and leisure centres is a must for local people, but doesn’t figure in government funding.

“With healthy and active lifestyles evermore important, it’s vital to save these key facilities.”

It comes after this month's announcement by Pendle Leisure Centre bosses that its sports hall will be revamped and turned into a soft play area for children and a fitness and dance class studio.

Alison Goode, Pendle Leisure Trust's chief executive, said the refurbishment would help generate extra income into the centre.

Cllr David Whipp said: “Over the past four decades I’ve fought with colleagues for good quality sport and leisure services across Pendle and have been involved with the development of swimming pools and sports halls in Barnoldswick, Colne and Nelson.

“Now, government cuts threaten the future of these vital facilities.

“With four million pounds of savings needed to make ends meet as government grant is cut, there’s a very real risk that sports provision will, in future, be unaffordable across Pendle.

“I’m proud of the current sports centres and want to see them survive for years to come.

“The resolution tabled for next week’s meeting is intended to draw a line and alert people to the threat that we face.

“I’m hoping that our proposal with have unanimous support at next week’s meeting and that this will help lead to a change of heart over government funding cuts."