USE it or lose it: that's the message from the city council to the public this week after finally agreeing to keep Bubbles open for another year.

The financially troubled leisure complex had been the subject of hours of debate in council chambers as members discussed various proposals from turning it into a holiday camp to closing it down completely.

At an economic and tourism policy committee meeting last week, the Independents finally won backing for their plan to subsidise the complex for another year while further attempts are made to sell the site to a private developer. The proposal, backed by a detailed business plan, was for the council to provide a subsidy to a maximum of £144,000 to keep the whole of the complex open for another year. A further £115,000 will be needed to be spent on general repair and maintenance and councillors have stressed the need for financial monitoring to ensure a tight grip is kept on expenditure.

The plan was supported by the Conservatives and Greens who agreed it would be disastrous for Morecambe to lose such a prominent attraction in the resort.

Cllr Paul Morris explained the plan. He said: "A manager will be put in place to ensure that the complex is run to full capacity. One of the first decisions will be whether or not to reduce the entrance fee to the pool. I personally feel this is something we should consider. It is crucial people begin to use the facility if it is to succeed."

Cllr Mort Allen added: "Constant entertainment, particularly for children, should be provided. The Dome is ideal for children's discos and it could become a focal point for wet weather entertainment. We are going to put every effort into making the complex a success. We are determined to ensure its future viability and make it an asset to Morecambe's renewed vitality."

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