Long-term under-funding of the district's municipal sports and leisure facilities is leading to fears that some centres could have to close. Although many people are keen on sport fewer than ever are actually keeping fit and use of the council-run centres has dropped off.

However, the fitness industry as a whole is booming, as evidenced by the success of private health clubs which draw many of the district's wealthier users.

Bradford Council is now looking at teaming up with private companies to help run the most ailing sports and leisure centres in the area. Although public involvement with the private sector draws criticisms, it is evident that some kind of solution is needed to help beef up the leisure services in Bradford.

With growing concerns about plummeting levels of fitness and growing obesity, especially among children, the municipal facilities need to be made as attractive as possible to the general public. The rise in private health clubs obviously shows that the business is there and it is in this market that the public facilities need to compete.

A report into Bradford's leisure provision has identified that some sports-club users are annoyed at having to pay admission charges on top of the cost of facilities, pushing the total pay-out above the council's private competitors.

Involvement with private companies could help the council's leisure centres to operate more efficiently. If the council chooses its partners correctly, it could take advantage of a wealth of experience in attracting people to the leisure industry.

Sport and leisure and the long-term health benefits that come with taking part in such activities should be a right of every resident of the district and whatever measures that need to be taken to make the service affordable and attractive should be investigated.