A new charitable trust is to be established in order to operate Wolverhampton City Council (WCC)-operated leisure facilities, after councillors approved the move on 7 December.

Cabinet members agreed to proceed with the proposal, which aims to boost the "range and quality" of local leisure provision and will see a Company Limited by Guarantee set up.

Facilities such as the new Bert Williams Leisure Centre will be run by the new organisation, which will recoup costs through VAT and business rates and save £400,000 a year.

WCC cabinet member for leisure and communities Elias Mattu said: "The establishment of the Wolverhampton Leisure Trust will enable us to further develop our already high-quality leisure facilities.

"At the same time it should also save the city council around £400,000 a year through business rate relief and other means."

Wolverhampton Swimming and Fitness Centre, which is currently operated by DC Leisure, will not be affected by the latest proposals.

Image: The new Bert Williams Leisure Centre