Sixteen firms have lined up to take over a council's leisure centres in a move that could mean a popular swimming pool is moved.

The companies have been asked to submit detailed plans for running Southwick and Lancing Manor Leisure Centres and Wadurs Community Pool in Shoreham.

Cash-strapped Adur District Council has approved plans to transfer the operation to a not-for-profit organisation in a bid to save money.

However, it has also received interest from a number of private-sector firms.

Interested bidders have until March 5 to submit proposals. They will then be whittled down to a shortlist of four, with the winner chosen by July.

As part of the agreement the successful candidate would build a £5 million facility on the site of ageing Southwick leisure centre in Old Barn Way.

Wadurs would close and be replaced by a pool at the Southwick centre, with money from the sale of the Wadurs site being used to pay for the facility.

Councillors promised to fight any plans to shut Wadurs before the new pool was ready after The Argus revealed the proposals last year.

A council spokesman said at the time: "Our customers are important to us. Wadurs will not be closed and knocked down before the new pool is built."

The council wants to know how the successful bidder would deal with staff at the three centres.

A report to its community services committee states: "The council wishes to ensure staff are treated fairly."