Leisure facilities in Guildford, Surrey, could be managed by a private operator under proposals due to be discussed by the local authority today (22 April).

Guildford Spectrum Leisure Complex, Guildford Lido and Ash Manor Sports Centre in Ash are subject to the plans, which are expected to be approved by Guildford Borough Council's (GBC) executive. The council has been working on the proposals since July 2009 after agreeing to explore different options for the future management of its leisure facilities.

If approved by the executive, a formal tender process is expected to be launched to seek an operator for the three facilities, which is set to help the council save money. GBC lead councillor for sport Terence Patrick said: "Public services are under considerable financial pressure and the council is facing up to this challenge. Just as every household is tightening its belt, we must do the same.

"We will continue to work to identify further efficiencies, look at new ways of generating income, use our assets more effectively and investigate shared services and partnership working opportunities."