Image: Plans include a new pool at Garstang

Wyre Council has backed plans to invest £7.4m in the borough's leisure centres.

The improvements will include the creation of an extreme sports facility at Thornton Leisure Centre, a luxury day spa facility and dance studio at Poulton Leisure Centre and an upgraded centre and new swimming pool at Garstang leisure centre.

The plans follow a comprehensive review of leisure provision, which recommended wide-ranging improvements to the three centres.

Councillor Lynne Bowen, cabinet member with responsibility for sport and leisure at Wyre Council said: "I'm looking forward to moving forward with a project that is set to bring great benefits to the residents of Wyre.

"Not only do we aim to massively improve sport and leisure facilities, we also aim to improve financial performance by turning subsidies into surplus, delivering better value for money and ensuring that the council is prepared for future cuts to funding.

"The next steps are to conduct further work around the business plans and with YMCA who manage the leisure centres on our behalf, and to start preparing detailed designs.

Consultants Max Associates, who undertook the review of leisure services, will be engaged to assist the council in taking the scheme forward. (To download and read the full report on the leisure proposals, click here).

• The detailed plans include:

Thornton Leisure Centre - A £3.4m overhaul, including the addition of an extreme sports facility for young people and upgrade fitness and dance facilities.

Poulton Leisure Centre - A £1.7m redesign including a luxury day spa facility with additional studio space for community use.

Garstang Leisure Centre - A £2.3m upgrade - including the integration of a new swimming pool.