A SWIMMING pool and golf course could be closed as part of a major shake-up of leisure services by Hull City Council.
Under the proposals, swimming facilities at Ennerdale Leisure Centre and Springhead golf course, in west Hull, would close.
The moves are part of new plans being put forward to create a not-for-profit council-run leisure company in Hull.
If given the go-ahead, it would take over responsibility for all of the city's council-run leisure centres, museums, libraries, parks and cultural venues.
The city council's catering section would also be incorporated into the new-look company.
Staff working in all the venues would be transferred to become company employees.
The idea has been revealed by leisure portfolio holder Councillor Terry Geraghty in response to massive savings required by the council over the next two years.
He said: "We have got to move with the times because doing nothing is not an option.
"I think this offers a very exciting way forward for leisure services in Hull.
"Setting up a trust was one option but I had a look at one in Norwich and it was costing more than twice what we are currently operating here.
"The other alternative would be to hand things over to a private company but that was never really going to happen."
Cllr Geraghty said securing extra forms of funding and becoming eligible for rates relief were just two advantages of setting up a new council-owned company.
However, he confirmed the proposals also included closing Springhead golf course and swimming facilities at Ennerdale.
"The golf course is not sustainable while the wet side at Ennerdale costs a fortune. Energy costs alone have risen by 30 per cent over the past year and it also needs a lot of repairs doing.
"Because there is a new swimming pool nearby at Winifred Holtby School through the Building Schools for the Future programme, we think people who currently use Ennerdale will be able to use those facilities instead."
Under the proposals, the new company could be up and running by September next year, subject to formal agreement by the council.
It would be managed by a seven- strong board of councillors who would not receive any extra payment.
Cllr Geraghty said: "Although it will be more business-focused, some things will stay the same.
"In the museums, for example, entry will still be free because the council will still be able to set policy.
"That sort of thing will be vital in terms of gearing up for the 2017 City of Culture bid."
He also revealed the new-look company would be given the task of reviewing the long-term future of Hull Arena, with a view to looking at options for a combined ice skating and swimming facility in the city centre.
A shadow board could be set up as early as September to oversee the new company's launch.
