The report by Strategic Leisure, a recreation and sports management consultants, with offices in Manchester, assesses the standard of the 18 different facilities across the district.

It says existing centres are generally of average quality with some in need of “a significant level of investment” to bring them up to standard.

Bingley Pool, Greenhead Track, Ilkley Pool and Lido and Baildon Recreation Centre were all assessed as poor, with Manningham Pool, Queensbury Pool, Nab Wood Sports Centre, Richard Dunn Sports Centre classed as below average. Only Thornton Recreation Centre came out “very good”.

When it comes to swimming pools, the calculations show that there is actually surplus of water space across the district, but that accessible pools of more than 25 metres in length are in short supply.

It states: “Population growth within the district will potentially place additional demand on the provision of community facilities, including water space and supports the case for additional swimming pool provision of the appropriate size and quality.”

The report also reveals that there are a total of 173 courts available at sports halls across the district, which is more than current demand would require.

In contrast health and fitness facilities, which are accessible on a pay and play basis rather than membership only are limited with one third less than the recommended provision.

A summary states: “There appears to be insufficient quality, fit for purpose facilities to meet the identified demand and provide opportunities to increase and improve participation in sport and physical activity.

“Swimming pool provision in particular has suffered a lack on long-term investment. The provision and long-term management of many smaller pools is not financially sustainable, and there is a need to develop a network of fewer, better quality facilities to meet community needs moving forward.

“Due to the location of the facilities that are considered poorer quality or unfit for purpose, there is an opportunity for rationalisation without compromising access.

“Providing one key facility in the centre of the district, and over time rationalising those which are not fit for purpose, or are known to be poor quality/in need of significant capital investment, will improve the overall infrastructure, and ensure provision is more sustainable, because it will be better quality.”