Council bosses unveiled plans over the summer to shut centres at Garforth as well as Kippax, Fearnville, and East Leeds.

They also stressed, however, that the proposals were subject to the outcome of a public consultation process.

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That process has now been completed – and a report on its findings to the local authority's executive board indicates a final decision on the future of the centres is some way off.

The report recommends that council officers examine the potential for "the centres most affected by these proposals" to be turned over to community management.

It is thought dedicated community bodies – possibly staffed by volunteers – would run the chosen centres, although they would still be owned and funded by the local authority.

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The report also says the council should work with government agency Sport England to gauge the impact the overall plans would have on access to swimming facilities.

The recommendations drew a mixed response from Coun Mark Dobson (Lab), whose Garforth and Swillington ward is home to one of the centres eamarked for closure.

He said: "It's good that no snap decision is being taken.

"I also believe, though, that it's the council's responsibility to provide and run leisure services. Community management is not an option I would support."

Proposals announced by the Tory and Lib Dem-controlled council earlier this year include:

* Replacing Garforth, Kippax, Fearnville and East Leeds centres with two 'Well Being' bases offering health advice as well as sports and fitness facilities;
* Shutting South Leeds Sports Centre after a multi-million pound leisure development in Morley opens in 2010;
* Investment in Bramley Baths and the city's existing Aireborough, Pudsey, Scott Hall, Kirkstall, Rothwell and Wetherby centres.