CASH-STRAPPED Congleton Borough Council is seeking to hand over the running of its leisure centres to schools or trusts.

The move is part of a series of cost-cutting proposals by the authority aimed at saving £1.5 million.

Under the plans 120 council staff would transfer to other organisations, 70 of which would be from the leisure centres.

In addition there are due to be 40 job losses across the authority, although the council will be seeking volunteers for redundancy or early retirement.

Under the proposals the existing seven head of service roles would be replaced by four new roles.

Alsager Information Centre would be reduced to half-day opening as a one stop shop, and tourist information would be incorporated into the customer service team.

The number of community wardens would be reduced from 10 to seven, and pest control would be cut from four staff to one.

There would also be changes to the community development section, which includes arts and youth development.

The cost of luncheon club meals would rise, and public toilets would be cut to one in each town.

The authority wants to hand over the management of Alsager, Sandbach, Middlewich and Holmes Chapel Leisure Centres to local schools, and see Congleton Leisure Centre run by a trust.

It is also looking at handing over responsibility for the running of town and civic halls to town councils.

Staff were told of the proposed job cuts and other changes on Tuesday.

There will be a 30-day consultation period, and staff affected by the proposed job losses will not leave before January.

"We have had to make tough decisions to ensure the continuing sustainability of

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