Leisure trusts are feeling the pinch, with confidence in the medium to long-term down significantly from last year to just 47 per cent, according to findings from the ninth sporta State of the Industry report, carried out by Leisure-net Solutions.

The result, the lowest in the survey's history, demonstrates the sector's concern about the impact of the government's cuts on the future provision of leisure trusts.

The research also suggests that the main challenges facing trusts have changed during the last 24 months.

The primary concern now is the looming reduction in government funding, followed closely by reducing subsidy from the local authority.

Concerns over utility cost increases, which were top of the worries in 2008 at more than 45 per cent, were down to just over 5 per cent in 2010.

Despite the gloomy mood, Craig McAteer, chair of sporta, said the trusts still enjoyed good relationships with local partners and that the level of services delivered remains high.

He said: "Although the period ahead will be a challenging one for members, this year has seen further investment in facilities and continuing innovation in our activities and delivery methods.

"There is clear evidence of how the sporta trusts have the potential and capacity to be key players in the coalition government's new policy framework."

sporta members manage more than 900 sites across the UK, attracting more than 175 million customer visits every year.