A PRIVATE company is likely to take over the management of Weymouth swimming pool.

The Knightsdale Road centre, which is owned and run by the borough council, could be taken over by Sports and Leisure Management Limited (SLM) in a money-saving exercise.

The pool is expected to last about 10 years, but refurbishment work to improve the 30-year-old centre would have to be carried out by the new company.

Councillors at the community regeneration and culture committee yesterday agreed with the management committee's recommendation to hand over the facility to a company.

Members of the town's swimming clubs spoke at the meeting to express their concern that fees could increase and teaching time could be cut under a new management. But they were told that fees would not rise significantly.

Roland Green, depot and parks manager said: "They SLM have said that they realise that most of their income comes from clubs rather than the public therefore they would not wish to damage the relationship with clubs. It is not in their interest."

SLM has also said that it would continue the council pension scheme for the staff.

Unison representative Carl Dallisin said: "Unison will oppose all privatisation of the pool, but staff will take a more pragmatic view.

"We would prefer an in-house bid, which we think stands on its own merit.

"Our main concern now has to be to safeguard the terms and conditions for the staff that may transfer."

Members of the committee insisted that they and union representatives will be allowed to visit other SLM centres, on formal or unannounced trips, before the full council makes a final decision.

The financial arrangements were discussed behind closed doors.

The Redlands sports ground is also expected to be taken over by Wey Valley School and Dorset Works, who offered a 'superior' deal to the current managers.

Under the proposal, the public would also have access to the school's sports hall for the first time. The contracts are expected to be completed early next year.