THERE are fears that cash-starved sports facilities in Leeds could deteriorate because of a crisis in the city council's leisure services funding.

A gap of more than £1m in funding was revealed at a recreational services meeting last November, according to Liberal Democrat Councillor Roger Harris, (Horsforth).

Coun Harris said: "We do feel that we are on a downward spiral. Unless it's addressed very quickly, we will find ourselves facing possible mass closure.

'We are now facing competition from private sports facilities - and if the council cannot maintain its facilities to an acceptable standard, people are going to go elsewhere."

Now Coun Harris fears that a decline in health and safety standards could jeopardise the safety of employees and members of the public.

He is calling for council action to safeguard the future of sports facilities across the area, including sports centres being run under contracts and detailed business plans.

His concerns have been echoed by the Chairman of Otley Sports Council, John Morgan, who predicts a bleak future for the cash-strapped Chippendale Pool at Otley's Prince Henry's Grammar School.

Mr Morgan predicted the pool, which has already closed on Saturday afternoons, could be axed for good next year if the town fails to secure a lottery bid.

Mr Morgan said: "If we don't get lottery funding that pool will close within a year because of the lack of maintenance.

"It's grossly slipping to the point where the health and safety executive could say there's something wrong.

"They should be providing the core services and providing them properly.

"People have complained so much and for so long about the facilities in Otley, but you get nowhere. People are totally disheartened."

But the council's leisure services department has no plans to freeze spending or recruitment, in spite of some jobs being axed at Christmas.

A spokesman said that important budgetary issues were being scrutinised by senior management.

"The necessary steps have been taken to provide adequate funding within the sports division budget.

"The department is looking very carefully at all aspects of its expenditure."

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