Freedom Leisure has signed a 10-year partnership agreement with Lichfield District Council to manage two of its leisure centres, as the authority looks to use its resources more efficiently.

Councillors have agreed to outsource Burntwood Leisure Centre and Friary Grange Leisure Centre in Staffordshire from 1 February 2018.

“Outsourcing the management of our leisure centres will help us to use our resources effectively while providing the best possible services for local people,” said councillor Iain Eadie, a council cabinet member.

“Where Freedom has taken over the operation of leisure centres in other areas of the country, such as Wrexham and Arun, participation levels have gone up, significant investment into the facilities has taken place, and local communities have responded well to the wider opportunities to live healthier, more active lifestyles, and to make the most of their leisure time.”

Ivan Horsfall-Turner, Freedom Leisure managing director, said the not-for-profit leisure trust would be “leading a programme of improvements to boost facilities and activities offered” at the two sites.

Burntwood has 1,232 members and Friary has 827.