A charitable organisation which has run most leisure centres and libraries in Flintshire since 2017 is set to lose its contract with the local authority.

It comes as Aura Leisure and Libraries Limited and Flintshire Council have failed to reach a new long-term funding agreement.

Council officials said they were "disappointed" after a proposed new deal offered to the employee-owned company during the summer was rejected.

However, Aura representatives said it contained stipulations they could not legally agree to.

The contract between the two parties, which also covers play areas and museums, is now due to finish at the end of October.

The council said plans would be put in place to allow services provided by Aura to keep running beyond then, but has yet to reveal any details.

It has led to fears being raised by a group of opposition councillors that it will lead to "severe disruption" or even the closure of some facilities, but this has been strongly denied by the local authority.

A council spokesperson said in a statement: “(There have been) lengthy discussions between the council and Aura this year to secure a long-term agreement for the future provision of leisure, library, play and museum services in the county.

“A new contract was offered to Aura which has been declined.  The council is disappointed that agreement could not be reached on a longer-term arrangement given the commitment by members and officers and the positive steps taken to seek resolution.

“The council is keen to ensure a robust plan is in place and duly communicated in readiness for when the current contract expires on 31 October.

“The primary focus will now be to minimise disruption for service-users and provide assurance to Aura employees.”

It was originally reported in March that the council was considering withdrawing financial support for Aura.

Officials claimed changes were needed to bring the contract in line with the authority's rules on procurement and subsidies.

Aura's chief executive Mike Welch hit out at the situation at the time, claiming in a letter it had caused "significant stress" for the company's 250-plus staff.

The leisure firm said in a statement there were commercial and other reasons why it could not agree to the council's latest offer.

An spokesperson said: “In August, Flintshire County Council offered Aura a new contract on a ‘take it or leave it’ basis.

“Following legal advice, regrettably, Aura could not reasonably sign due to a number of practical, legal, commercial and charitable reasons.

“Aura acknowledges that the council will now want to begin the process of establishing alternative arrangements for the management of leisure, libraries and heritage services.

“At present, no further information has been shared with Aura regarding the council’s plans for these services post-October 31.”

(Image: Flintshire People's Voice party) Meanwhile, members of the Flintshire People's Voice group on the council have launched an online petition to "save Aura's services".

It has already attracted almost 1,500 signatures after the five councillors accused the authority of trying to "force Aura out of existence".

The petition states: “Throughout the summer, the leadership of Flintshire County Council has been holding an axe over Aura, the employee-owned not-for-profit organisation that runs Flintshire’s libraries and leisure centres, as well as vital play areas and important heritage services.

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“Flintshire County Council is threatening to force Aura out of existence by refusing to extend their contract to run essential services in Flintshire.

“This decision will undoubtedly lead to severe service disruption across the community and could ultimately result in the closure of many libraries and leisure centres throughout Flintshire.”

The petition can be found by visiting https://fpv.wales/save-aura/