RESIDENTS are being asked which services the council should keep and which it should get rid off to protect "the jewels in Redditch’s crown".

Due to financial pressures the council is looking at potentially outsourcing at number of leisure services to other providers.

The council’s leisure service includes the Abbey Stadium, Arrow Valley Park, Morton Stanley Park, Forge Mill Museum and Bordesley Abbey, the Palace Theatre, and Pitcheroak Golf Course.

There are also a number of allotments and community centres.

Councillor Pat Witherspoon, whose portfolio covers Leisure and Cultural Services, said: “We need to start thinking innovatively about the way we deliver our leisure services to ensure the jewels in Redditch’s crown continue to shine for years to come, whilst also responding to the budget pressures that we face as a council.

“The council’s leisure service will affect the majority of our residents and visitors in one way or another, whether it’s a trip to the theatre, a walk around one of the parks, a spin class at the Abbey Stadium, a round of golf or the holiday activities your children are currently enrolled on."

Redditch Council is running a survey, starting this Friday, August 11 until September 8.

The options could include continuing to provide services directly by the council or through an "alternative delivery model".

Responses from the consultation will help officers to develop ‘options’ for a sustainable service that meets the needs of users and visitors.

The responses will also contribute to a full business case which is expected to be presented to councillors in October.

Cllr Witherspoon said: "We will not be making these decisions lightly, so I cannot stress how important it is that we receive responses from as many people as possible to ensure that we develop options that truly meet the needs of our residents and visitors.”

The survey can be completed online at redditchbc.gov.uk/consultations.

Paper copies will be available from Abbey Stadium, the Palace Theatre, Forge Mill Museum, and a number of community centres (Batchley, Winyates, and Oakenshaw).

Ballot boxes to receive the survey are in the town hall and Dial a Ride.