A proposal to reduce hours at Fulwood Leisure Centre in Lancashire is one of the cost saving measures being considered by Preston City Council as it prepares its 2013/14 budget.

An increase in leisure centre fees and charges will also be considered at the 6 February cabinet/budget meeting, described by the council as in line with other local authorities across the country.

Preston City Council faces an overall spending cut of 6.4 per cent over the next two years, and from the period 2010 to 2015 its budget will drop by a third from £30m to £20m.

The budget and policy report Achieving Preston’s Priorities, to be presented at the meeting, states significant measures are needed to achieve a sustainable budget in the medium term.

The report states discounts will remain in place for many leisure centre users, such as older people and those on benefits, and says there will be public consultation before any changes to opening hours.

A budget of £116,000, approved in November, remains in place for the 2013/14 financial year so the Fulwood Leisure Centre can get a new mezzanine floor, and a further £96,000 has been allocated for refurbishments.