A golf course and swimming pool are at risk as South Ayrshire Council aims to bridge an anticipated £17m funding gap in the next financial year.

The local authority intends to review its sport, leisure and golf provision as part of its budget proposal for 2018/19.

It could lead to the closure of Maybole Golf Course and Prestwick Swimming Pool, while all public toilets in South Ayrshire could be closed and school crossing patrols removed.

Schools could also be affected through the loss of teachers and a potential merger of two primary schools.

No formal decisions will be made until the council sets its budget in March 2018.

Councillor Douglas Campbell said: "No politician gets elected to cut or close services that will impact on our people and communities, however, these are the painful but necessary choices we need to face head-on if we are going to balance the books and target the limited resources we have where they are needed most.

"A key part of our considerations will be listening to what the public have to say about these proposals and how they will impact on them.

"And just because a proposal is currently on a list does not mean that it will happen and that's why it's so important that people let us know their views when the consultation gets underway next month."