COMMUNITY groups could take over more council leisure and social facilities in Wear Valley.

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 it would save facilities and provide people with better tailored services.

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

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

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

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

A report to the community services committee tonight recommends adopting the payments policy.

Max Coleby, acting director of community services, said: "As the district council considers re-allocating resources to priorities this undoubtedly mean 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 company and is applying for charitable status so that it can apply for grants not available to local authorities.

Catherine Gatenby, chairwoman of the Wolsingham community 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."