Sports clubs today blasted a rise in the cost of swimming pool and football pitch hire, saying members will suffer.

Bradford Council approved a series of price increases after the cost of fuel threatened to add up to £100,000 to the department's bills.

Swimming charges will rise by around seven per cent - by 20p for adults and 10p for children - although passport to leisure charges will remain at this year's prices.

Community hall charges will rise by ten per cent and the cost of sports pitches seven per cent. Swimming pool hire will go up just above the rate of inflation.

City Hall accountants say electricity and gas prices have gone up by 20 per cent and so the Council's ruling executive has approved the increases. They come into force on January 1.

Chris Kay, secretary of Oddfellows Athletic football club which plays in the Sunday Alliance League, said the club's sponsor pays £408, which will rise to £436 under the new structure.

He said: "We don't think it is a bad price if the facilities are right. But the toilets where we play in Apperley Bridge are disgusting and the showers are cold.

"It isn't fair the Council is trying to encourage people to get out and play sports and yet they are hiking up prices."

John Marshall, chairman of Keighley Swimming Club, believes even an inflation rise in pool hire could damage the district's swimming clubs.

He said: "This is sure to have an impact on voluntary clubs. We charge children £1 on the night and £25 annual membership to cover our pool hire costs.

"We should be getting these facilities for free and they should be paying us to coach these kids. This is the trouble with sport in England - it is not funded properly."

Fitness centre charges at Richard Dunn sports centre in Odsal and at Keighley will rise by 12 per cent, but Council officers defended the increase, saying it will be the first in four years.