COMMUNITY groups could take over more local authority leisure and social facilities under a new strategy being considered by councillors.

With talks progressing to take centres at Wolsingham and Willington out of its control, Wear Valley District Council is being asked to support more community management deals.

Officers say this would save threatened facilities and provide people with better services tailored to local needs.

Under arrangements proposed by community services chiefs, the council would give new management groups a one-off 'golden hello' payment of half the first year's savings, up to a maximum of £50,000.

The Wolsingham School Pool Committee has already been promised £10,000 towards its efforts to retain a community service.

And the Wear Valley Basketball Club has held talks with officers about managing Arrivals 1 at the Spectrum Leisure Complex in Willington, developing the building into a major centre for the sport while staying open for public use.

Although no other centres are currently under direct threat of closure, the council's leisure service has admitted facing increased pressure to cut spending.

A report to the council's community services committee recommends adopting the payment policy.

Max Coleby, acting director of community services, said: "As the district council considers re-allocating resources to priorities this undoubtedly means reduction in the service and closure of facilities in some situations. Where opportunity exists to retain those facilities through community management, the authority should pursue this course of action."

The group taking over Wolsingham Pool has formed a new company and is applying for charitable status so that it can apply for grants not available to local authorities.

Catherine Gatenby, chairman of the pool committee, said: "It is a huge commitment for directors and everyone involved and it is not an easy thing to do. We have taken this step because we want to keep the pool open for the community and the school and I think we will run it more effectively.

"It is fortunate that there are people who are prepared and able to take on risks and put the time in. I am disappointed that tax payers have to take such steps."