A REVAMP of Durham City's swimming baths could form a key element of a strategy aimed at improving the quality of people's lives.

Durham City Council has unveiled a scheme that sees the expansion of recreation facilities as the key to tackling problems such as anti-social behaviour, illness and social exclusion.

It hopes to improve leisure provision and make it more accessible and affordable.

Companies could have a greater role in service provision and one option that could be explored is the creation of a trust, as Derwentside Council has done, to run the district's five leisure centres.

For some time, the council has been investigating the possibility of redeveloping the city's baths with the private sector to create a "healthy living centre".

A key aim of the strategy is to improve and invest in existing services and facilities.

The document says: "This will be achieved by investigating alternative options for provision that can attract investment and release resources to deliver other key strategic aims.

"A new swimming facility has been identified as a high priority.''

The council's deputy leader Grenville Holland said everyone in the district should have a right to a healthy lifestyle and access to excellent facilities and initiatives.

The council launched the strategy at an industry challenge day in the Gala Theatre.

Leisure manager Nigel Dodds said: "We will take some feedback as to who is the best possible service provider for leisure in the Durham area for the future."