Putting the prices up at an outdoor activity centre used by hundreds of Walsall school children each year would be a “death by 1,000 cuts,” claims its trust manager.

Bosses at Walsall Council are set to rubberstamp proposals for the future of Bryntysilio Outdoor Pursuits Centre which includes a list of 23 recommendations. However, an immediate investment of £100,000 from the council’s 2010/11 budget to construct new log cabins to accommodate more visitors or adapting the staff house has been ruled out.

Plans to increase prices and open up the facility in Llangollen, Wales, for commercial use are expected to be given approval by Cabinet members on Wednesday.

But Trust manager and Darlaston South councillor Graham Wilkes said hiking prices is not the answer. “We have responded to the council’s 23 points and now have to see what they come up with at cabinet next week,” he said.

“However our hands are tied on some points such as putting up new buildings because we have no money to do that so that is in the council’s hands. We are concerned if they do put up the price too much it will be death by a thousand cuts.”

Bryntysilio is owned by Walsall Holiday Camp Trust and is leased by Walsall Council. The centre currently costs taxpayers around £500,000 a year to operate.

The money-making measures will be reviewed after three and six months. Around 1,400 children visit Bryntysilio for a short residential stay every year.

Although no financial investment is planned at the centre during the review period it is still proposed to increase its size to attract more than one school at a time. This could be through apprentices from Walsall College and Walsall Adult and Community College in a bid to increase capacity from 36 to 48 beds.

Walsall Council leader Mike Bird leader said: “Bryntysilio has been the subject of extensive discussions and we are keen to implement these recommendations and see what impact they have. Bryntysilio has been visited by thousands of Walsall schoolchildren over the years.

“But we need to be realistic and make sure it really does represent value for money and is the best option for the borough’s youngsters.”