TOWN officials say they have a lot to consider before they commit to any proposals laid out in Congleton Borough Council's cost cutting plans.

As reported in last week's Guardian, the borough council has proposed a series of staff redundancies, transfers and the reduction of financial support in a bid to claw back the £2million shortfall it faces.

Middlewich Leisure Centre, Civic Hall and the Victoria Building have all been placed in the spotlight and representatives of the town's council and high school are now considering proposals to take on the responsibility for running the buildings.

Middlewich High School has been asked to consider running the leisure centre, while Middlewich Town Council has been approached to weigh up the possibility of taking on the Civic Hall and Victoria Building.

If both parties decide not to take on the responsibility the management of the buildings could be handed over to an outside trust.

Town and borough councillor Paul Edwards said: "There is the possibility the school could take the leisure centre on, but what strain is that going to put them under?

"If a trust took on the responsibility it could no doubt absorb the staff numbers but then there may be implications for the public using the centre.

"Costs could go up."

Clr Alison Roylance White agreed that it the town council would have to consider the options very seriously but said she would be keen to push for the town taking on the responsibility.

Martin Forster, head of Middlewich High School, said: "It is very early days yet. We are starting to look at all possible options.

"We are exploring all possibilities and I will be speaking with people at Congleton Borough Council and Middlewich Town Council in the coming weeks.

"There is talk of it going to an outside trust but I would prefer it to be run at a more local level.

"We really do have to consider all of the options before we can make a decision."