IT is a worrying situation when cash problems threaten the future of Bolton's leisure centres.

Currently, Bolton Council is proposing cuts in opening hours. But Council deputy Culture Director John Shepley says that, in their present form, the leisure centres are "unsustainable."

Revenue from centres, including The Water Place in the town centre, has dropped dramatically in the past two years.

The growing number of local private health clubs and leisure centres is blamed for the financial difficulties.

In the last decade, the nation has become very interested in health and fitness, with a steep rise in private clubs the result.

Now, the council is looking at various options, including entering into public-private partnership with the leisure industry, or establishing a charitable trust to run the borough's leisure centres.

On the horizon straight away, however, is a cut in opening times that is bound to affect local residents.

It is a shame that it has come to this, because the town's municipal leisure centres do an excellent job of providing many amenities for all age-groups.

They do this at prices that most people can afford, and that is, perhaps, the most pertinent aspect.

To keep a healthy population, we need leisure facilities at costs residents can meet. Private health clubs cater for those with sufficient disposal income to afford the luxury or specific end of the leisure market.

But, there is still a vast need for what our leisure centres can offer to the general community.

Perhaps the key is for them to concentrate on doing what they do best: offering basic leisure services like swimming for the general populus.

We hope that the council can come up with a suitable plan. It would be a shame indeed if ordinary people in Bolton missed out on enjoying and benefitting from good leisure services for all. More roads misery? RESIDENTS in the Lostock area, long blighted by rail commuter cars clogging local roads around the railway station, are unlikely to be whooping with glee at the latest plan.

A deal to allow 16 new homes, provided extra car parking is created, will mean more building and cars. We hope that commonsense prevails at next Thursday's council planning committee.