NEARLY half a million pounds a year could be pumped into Leyland Leisure Centre if a public private partnership between the South Ribble Council and an outside firm goes ahead.

The move would see £7million invested in leisure services in the borough over the next 15 years.

And plans for Leyland Leisure Centre, near the main council offices in West Paddock, could include the creation of a dance studio and a party room, a new lift, and upgrading the fitness suite and sauna facilities.

Although nothing has been finalised, the council has revealed its preferred partner to be Serco Leisure and claim it could save the authority £250,000 a year.

The contract, which covers the running and maintenance of the borough's 13 leisure facilities, is expected to start in April next year, if approved later this month.

Council leader Howard Gore said the money poured into the facilities would amount to £466,000 a year, almost four times the £120,000 they currently receive.

He said: "There is no question that our centres look worn, and we are very pleased with this deal. It will secure jobs and services will remain affordable for local residents."

Coun Gore said the £250,000 saving would be achieved through a reduction in business rates, VAT savings, and by attracting more people to use the facilities. The council would, in return, pay a management fee to Serco.

He said is too early to say what the money being saved could be spent on, but added that it would go into extra services or keeping council tax down.

Ian Phelps, managing director of Serco Leisure, said: "We are very pleased to be announced as the preferred partner in this project, we feel that we have worked hard to attain this position and feel our proposals will meet the aspirations of the council and local people."