A ROW has broken out in Selby after it emerged that the town's leisure centre is suffering a £50,000 budget deficit.

Leading council figures were today accused of not doing enough for the centre, but they denied there were grounds for concern, saying the shortfall would be covered in the next financial year.

Selby District Council had called on the Abbey Leisure Centre to increase its income by £100,000 this year, by investing in new equipment and facilities.

But the council's social board was told on Wednesday the centre had only increased income by £46,278 - less than half the projected total.

But Coun Liz Casling, chairwoman of the social board, today admitted the figure was disappointing. She said investment had been delayed, impacting upon income.

She said: "It is a shame it has taken longer for the investment to happen, but the investment is happening, and we would expect a much bigger return on our money next year."

Three departing staff members had not been replaced, which contributed to the savings made.

The money spent on repairs and maintenance had also been reduced.

Labour councillor Steve Shaw-Wright said: "Last year they said they would save £100,000 either by cost-savings or by getting more people through the door. What has happened is they have had three members of staff leaving and not replaced them - they have not had many new users in and they are coming back after more money. It needs a radical look at it."

Coun Shaw-Wright said that by reducing staff and cutting back on repairs, the council was deterring the potential new customers who would increase revenue.

He said: "At some point someone is going to have to make a major decision about the future of leisure in Selby."

He said the council was dipping into a reserve fund set up by the former Labour council, but Coun Casling said the money was there for a reason and it was the councillors' job to spend it appropriately.

Steve Martin, the council's strategic director, said the centre would benefit from new equipment that had now been bought.

He said new spinning bike classes - a co-ordinated exercise bike session - would also attract more people.

He said: "The leisure services manager (Bob Lancaster) said that with a full year ahead of him, with all the changes that have been made, he is confident savings can be made."

Updated: 10:05 Thursday, January 12, 2006