PROTEST: Campaigners against the proposed privatisation of Southampton City Council leisure centres on the steps of the Civic Centre. Echo picture by Chris Moorhouse. Order no: 9524761
THE DEPTH of public opposition over plans to “privatise” Southampton leisure centres was made clear as campaigners delivered a 2,800- name petition to council chiefs.
Angry members of the public, Labour politicians and union staff descended on the steps of the Civic Centre to protest against the Tory plans to hand over the facilities to private firms.
Conservatives have put the management of leisure facilities and 500 related jobs up for sale claiming it will cut costs and improve services.
Campaigner Heather Corless, 64, warned: “We all know what happens when things are privatised. Prices go up, staff are axed and the quality of service goes down.”
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