Price increases are set to be introduced at Midlothian Snowsports Centre after the local authority backed a number of measures that aim to safeguard the venue's future.

Midlothian Council has invested more than £5m since taking over responsibility for the site in 1996, but has urged potential backers to come forward amid expected cuts over the next four years. According to the council, the centre's projected deficit of £529,000 for 2009-10 is unsustainable with the authority looking at a £25m cut in central government funding.

Staff costs will also be reduced as part of the savings plan, which is set to be implemented while a review of the venue is carried out in partnership with sportscotland over the next couple of months. Midlothian Council leader Derek Milligan said: "The taxpayers of Midlothian have subsidised what is a fantastic national facility since 1996 with no help from anyone else, despite the fact we know only a small fraction of the people who use it come from this area.

"We've agreed to keep the subsidy going for a short while to allow others who say they value this centre to come forward and help, and we'll work with sportscotland to see what can be done."