COUNCIL chiefs are going for gold in Olympic year by pledging to invest £800,000 in the Dean's leisure centres.

Despite fears that cost cutting could put some at risk, the new strategy recommends keeping all five leisure centres open.

A masterplan for the future recommends Cinderford and Sedbury are given a cash injection and then handed over to community groups.

But Coleford, Newent and Lydney will stay under council control.

Business plans will be drawn up and council officials will explore funding options.

See this week's Forester for full story