TWO leisure organisations have announced plans to merge to allow more chance of making it through the recession.

The trustees of Colburn Community Partnership are in discussions with the Richmondshire Leisure Trust over plans to merge the two to create a larger body.

The Colburn partnership, a registered charity, owns and manages Colburn Community Health and Recreation Centre.

Opened in 2002, the recreation centre houses a sports hall, fitness suite, activity room, external floodlit multiuse games area and two football pitches.

Richmondshire Leisure Trust, which was formed in April 2005, manages Richmond swimming pool on behalf of Richmondshire District Council on a long term lease. It also manages dry facilities at Richmond School as well as the district's sports development service.

If the merger goes ahead the single body will keep the name Richmondshire Leisure Trust.

Helen Grant, Colburn Community Partnership company secretary, said: "In this increasingly uncertain financial climate, our two organisations coming together and combining our strengths makes good economic sense for the mutual benefit of both organisations.

"More importantly, merging our two organisations provides the best opportunity for the long term sustainability of Colburn Community Health and Recreation Centre."

Members of the community partnership will be asked to consider a special resolution allowing for the dissolving of the Community Partnership and a transfer of the organisation’s assets at next month’s annual general meeting.

The present staff of Colburn Community Partnership would also transfer to the new leisure trust.

The AGM takes place on Wednesday, February 9 at 6.30pm at the Colburn Recreation Centre.