The running of Denbighshire’s leisure centres looks set to be outsourced for a second time despite the failure of a similar venture three years ago.

Councillors say they have “learnt lessons” from the experience of Clwyd Leisure, which was set up to run attractions such as the Sun Centre.

The council ended up withdrawing the funding to Clwyd Leisure and the firm collapsed.

Cllr Julian Thompson-Hill, lead member for finance, said: “We have learnt lessons, this is a very different beast to what had been set up before. In terms of its legal structure and in terms of the interaction with the authority.

“Even though it’s a separate legal entity we are the sole share holders so Denbighshire has the control.

“The lessons learnt have served us very well.”

Councillors were told at a special meeting that this new Local Authority Trading Company (LATC) will be different with more control for the authority over the company to ensure similar problems do not arise again.

The council expects the new enterprise will save it £800,000 in its first year, though savings on VAT and non-domestic rates.

Cllr Bobby Feeley, the lead member for well-being, told members of the full council: “The LATC now being proposed will continue to deliver an excellent service but in addition deliver significant financial benefits. The company would enable the service to trade more commercially and help sustain the service into the future as well as making savings for the council of around £800,000.”

She added: “This is about ensuring that key services largely associated with the leisure portfolio are able to thrive and respond to both current and future needs and continue to provide the exceptional facilities our residents here in Denbighshire have grown to expect.

“It is my view that leisure is no longer a luxury add on to statutory services, it is part of the well-being of future generations.”

The facilities proposed to be included are the county’s seven leisure centres as well as the Prestatyn Nova, SC2, Rhyl Pavilion Theatre, Rhyl Events Arena and events function, North Wales Bowls, Rhyl Town Hall, Ruthin Craft Centre, Llangollen Pavilion, the 1891 restaurant, SC2, Café R and Strategic Leisure.

Councillors at the meeting voted by 31 votes to two in favour of approving the business plan.

The decision on giving the final go ahead for the new company would have to be approved by full council before it would start trading on April 1 next year as planned.