Leisure chiefs are set to embark on talks with Sport England over the impact of a mothballed baths on Blackburn with Darwen's swimming provisions.

Council bosses have been told the closedown of Daisyfield Pools in August has left Blackburn with Darwen borough with an under-provision of swimming facilities.

And in a report Cllr Damian Talbot, borough public health cabinet member, says this will be addressed when officials hold talks with Sport England this month.

The discussions come after Blackburn with Darwen Council took back the baths from operators Half Fish on October 20.

Legionella readings at the pools prompted the authority to step in and cut Half Fish's lease short in late August. It has since emerged it would cost more than £3.1m to address 'significant' repairs and maintenance issues there.

Cllr Talbot, in his report, says when Blackburn Leisure Centre was built there was an over-provision of pools in the borough but this changed when Shadsworth Leisure Centre closed, leading to an under-provision, according to Sport England.

He confirmed the meeting with Sport England would involve himself, assistant executive members and council officers.

Cllr Talbot added: "The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the closure of Daisyfield Pools, the reduction in public swimming pool provision and the potential impact on swimming participation in the borough, and any support which may be forthcoming from Sport England to assist in mitigating the under-provision."

It is still recommended by the authority that Daisyfield remain permanently closed.

Meanwhile the results of a survey, undertaken after Daisyfield Pools was closed, has been reported to the borough council's executive.

Forty-seven per cent of those questioned say they would not continue leisure activities elsewhere if Daisyfield remained closed.

Centre users cited cost as one factor - council officials say Blackburn Leisure Centre adult swims are the same price. Half Fish offered a supporters card for £10 - the council's Re:Fresh scheme cards are free and can reduce swims to £1 at selected times.

Adult and child swimming sessions are also said to be cheaper at the leisure centre than Half Fish's former offering.

But some users said Daisyfield offered better women-only swims - amid concerns over privacy at the leisure centre.

Councillors have been told blinds were being installed at the leisure centre, as the fitness suite overlooked the pool, with similar provisions for the spectators' gallery for women-only sessions.

An effort had also been made to recruit female lifeguards, the executive heard.