SPORTS centres in Kidderminster and Stourport could be transferred from local authority management to charitable trusts in a move aimed at slashing costs.

It would involve the Glades Leisure Centre in Kidderminster and Stourport Sports Centre. But Bewdley Leisure Centre is unlikely to be included because Wyre Forest District Council shares its responsibility there with the county council and Bewdley's high school and youth centre.

The trust idea is being investigated due to the district's cash crisis.

Council chiefs debating next year's budget are seeking to reduce spending by making major cuts to the leisure services department's bill.

Leisure chief Andrew Dickens said a transfer would bring a number of benefits including a greatly improved prospect of obtaining external funding including business sponsorship because of tax relief on charitable donations.

Charitable companies operating leisure services would also be exempt from VAT and expenditure would be less as it would receive relief.

Greater community involvement is also forecast.

Portfolio holder Councillor Ken Stokes said it was "with regret" the move was being considered but most local authorities were facing similar financial problems and Sandwell was closing a leisure centre.

District council leader Mike Oborski said: "This is at a very early stage but we are looking at the best way to preserve services. We would not have been talking about this 10 years ago but the world has moved on and we have to be positive. We have to move with the times."

In his report Mr Dickens said any transfer would be irreversible and while the council could "influence" the management of the sports centres they would forfeit control.

Three options will be looked at including the setting up of a limited company by the council; using an existing trust in the area and using a third party to set up a recreational company.