Talks over Isle of Wight council leisure sites

Isle of Wight Council is in talks with firms on the island to take over the running of its leisure attractions.

The authority, which needs to save £32m over four years, is looking for businesses to run several of its sites at no cost to the council.

However, two parties have ended talks to run Appley Park pitch and putt, Ryde, placing its future in doubt.

The council said it would maintain Appley Park throughout the summer but the pitch and putt would remain closed.

A spokesman said the Conservative-led authority was close to an agreement for Sandham Gardens, Sandown.

Shanklin's Esplanade crazy golf course is to be managed by businessman Dean Hyatt, who runs Shanklin Arcade.

Sandown Zoo has already been announced as taking over the running of Browns Pitch and Putt in Sandown.