IDEAS on how to save Shadsworth Leisure Centre from possible closure poured in from residents at a public consultation hosted by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

Along with Daisyfield Pools, the centre will end up closing next year unless the council is able to find the £730,000-a-year cost of maintaining and running them both.

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Back in 2010, the previous Conservative-led coalition proposed to shut the centre before Labour took control and saved it.

The month-long consultation over the issue began last night at Shadsworth Leisure Centre led by borough recreation boss Damian Talbot, along with director for environment and leisure Martin Eden and head of leisure services Claire Ramwell.

One idea that was suggested for increasing income was by introducing a toll bar in the car park, which is often used by people visiting the nearby hospital, and the possibility of applying for a lottery grant.

In response to this, Cllr Talbot said: “I think the car park idea is certainly something that could work and bring in some revenue, we will take that on board.

“On the lottery, I do not think the council can access grants for services that they run. Councils are not allowed to apply for lottery grants to replace anything of theirs so I don’t think that is really an option.”

Ideas were also discussed about staffing at the pool, with the suggestion of volunteer lifeguards coming up or the possibility of training lifeguards who could give hours back for getting their certificate.

Cllr Eden suggested that the programmes be looked at at Blackburn Leisure Centre in response to complaints that the pool there would get too busy if Shadsworth were to shut.

There has also been interest from the Blackburn Rovers Trust in using the centre for female sporting activities, and SportsCool for football.

The meeting was in addition to the online survey which can be found on the council’s website.

The next public consultation will be taking place at Little Harwood Community Centre tonight.