5:10am Friday 22nd January 2010
TORY council leaders in Southampton have rejected another plea to rethink plans to privatise the management of leisure service ahead of a decision to name the proposed operator next month.
Opposition Labour councillors tabled a motion calling on ruling Conservatives to abandon the “crazy” plans, although failed to spell out an alternative.
Leisure boss councillor John Hannides said the proposed 15-year deal would save the council £8m and bring extra investment and increased usage of the council’s loss-making leisure facilities.
Oaklands pool and St Mary’s Leisure centre are not part of the proposed deal and the management of the golf course is being sold separately.
The depth of public opposition to the plans was made clear when campaigners delivered a 2,800-name petition to council chiefs.
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