OPENING times at Kidderminster's Glades leisure centre are to be cut as part of a cost-saving package.

Under moves agreed by Wyre Forest District Council's executive committee, the centre will shut its doors at 8.30pm instead of 10.30pm on Sundays "as soon as possible".

In addition, casual use of the pool will be cut back by an hour on Saturdays and Sun-days to allow more programmed activities and swimming lessons.

Andrew Dickens, head of culture, leisure and commercial services, told the executive weekend opening times at the centre had remained unchanged for nearly 10 years.

"During this time, leisure demands and user profiles have changed to an extent where casual demand for the leisure pool and arena sports hall has declined in the late afternoon and early even-ings."

Speaking to the Shuttle Times & News he added the number of staff on duty after 8.30pm on Sundays could out-number the customers using facilities at the centre.

Earlier closing on Sundays will save an estimated £30,000 a year towards the £200,000 target of cuts identified by the council in February.

In his report to the executive, Mr Dickens also noted a decline in daytime casual use of the leisure pool from Monday to Friday which he said was in "stark contrast" to the use of Stourport Sports Centre swimming pool which benefited from consistently high user levels, especially by schools during term time.

Members of the executive also agreed to cut public swimming time at Kidder-minster by an hour on Saturdays and Sundays in favour of private hire, for which there was more dem-and, and to reduce casual use of the pool during term times when it was described as being relatively under-used.

Mr Dickens said the times when the public could just turn up for a swim would be reduced. But he added: "This is a problem that can be overcome by increased communication with customers over opening times."

The changes to the pool programme will be introduced in September.