A PRICE hike is being proposed on leisure services in Bromsgrove.

Activities at venues including the town's popular Dolphin Centre, in School Drive, are set to rise, as are some sporting facilities in Sanders Park and the use of other recreation grounds and open spaces.

Popular venue the Spadesbourne Suite could also have its prices increased, as may allotments in the district.

The proposal is due to be discussed by members of Bromsgrove District Council's executive cabinet at a meeting tonight (Wednesday). If agreed all the rises will come into effect on January 1 2004.

In his report Robbie Hazlehurst, the authority's director of leisure services, said research showed most users of leisure facilities did not react to modest increases in charges as long as the quality improved. He said people wanted to use facilities and services and was willing to pay for them.

Some of the proposed charges could include swimming going up from £2.30 a session to £2.60 for adults and an extra 20p for children, the fitness suite increasing from £4 to £4.60 an hour and adult synthetic sports pitches rising by £6 an hour.

At the meeting councillors are set to give Mr Hazlehurst delegated authority to agree price variations below the agreed maximum charges to reach income targets.