Fees at three Norfolk leisure centres are to increase to ensure their continued existence.

From April South Norfolk Council will be introducing a new range of fees at its centres in Wymondham, Diss and Long Stratton to make the services cost neutral.

The changes will see monthly membership at Wymondham Leisure Centre increase by £3 to £30.

And fees for casual gym and pools users at the centres are set to rise by £1.25 and 75p respectively for adults.

The changes will also see the scrapping of corporate membership monthly fees of £21.

The current £27 monthly membership fees at Diss and Long Stratton Leisure Centres will remain the same.

South Norfolk Council is contacting centre members about the full ranges of changes, including the ending of swim and gym only memberships.

It says that the review of discretionary leisure services will mean council tax payers in south Norfolk will not subsidize the operation of the three centres.

A statement from the council said: 'Implementing this review means that the council can sustain its operation in the future and not have to consider either transferring the operation to a private sector management contractor, such as Norwich City and Breckland Councils have done, or close the facilities completely, as councils in this country have chosen to do.

'As a council we know that we will face some considerable financial challenges in the future due to the recent comprehensive spending review so these changes will help to mitigate against some of the threats that these challenges pose.'

The council has not increased prices for more than six years and has also embarked on a £4m improvement project at the three centres, with £3m being spent at the Wymondham site which is due to fully re-open later in the year.

For its review the council looked at proves at competitors, such as the Dereham Leisure Centre and the UEA Sportspark.

The authority also says that promoting the good health and wellbeing of the district's residents is a priority as a discretionary service.

What do you think of the leisure centre increases? Email anthony.carroll@archant.co.uk