BRIDPORT Leisure Centre is seeking emergency funds to keep it afloat after a massive rise in its energy bills.

Trustees are in urgent talks with West Dorset District Council after being told its electricity bill will more than double and gas soar by £26,000.

Without the extra money they warn that opening hours will have to be "significantly reduced" and jobs lost.

A report before next week's meeting of the council's executive committee says the centre faces a £36,500 shortfall this financial year - and double that in 2010.

Councillors will hear that operators, Bridport and West Dorset Sports Trust, hope to reduce the fuel bills by introducing energy saving systems at the centre.

The council's community enabling manager Nick Thornley said they planned to save around £22,000 a year with new lighting and a new heat recovery system.

The Carbon Trust was asked to help draw up the scheme after the centre's electricity contract - renegotiated in July - more than doubled.

British Gas, who supply the electricity, said its prices would jump from £30,000 to £70,000 while next year's bill for gas, supplied by Corona, is set to soar from £50,000 to £76,000.

Mr Thornley said: "The trust faces a significant problem that it cannot resolve on its own, one which threatens the viability of the current operation.

"In a normal year, with the district council's revenue funding, the trust's operation breaks even. The trust does not hold significant reserves. It has therefore asked for help."

Recommending immediate council support he adds: "It is important to ensure the financial viability of the sports trust managing an important community facility that might otherwise be managed by the district council.

"Over the years the sports trust has controlled expenditure well and boosted income wherever possible.

"It is normal practice to approach the district council for help only as a last resort. The district council should do all that it can to help."