THE imminent closure of Richmond's sports centre has prompted some of the town's councillors to question if the community is to be consulted on the future of the local swimming baths.

In January, Richmondshire District Council's community committee voted to close the sports hall, despite a vigorous campaign to save it.

Groups with block bookings have been given until next month to vacate the premises, which the authority could not afford to upgrade to modern standards.

However, the controversy led some people to question the authority's intentions for Richmond's swimming pool, which the council said it may hand over to a local trust to look after as early as Tuesday, June 1.

The council's community committee was assured users and staff would be consulted fully before any decision was made.

But Richmond's mayor, Councillor Stuart Parsons, said he would press the administration to listen to as many people as possible before it made a decision.

He said: "What we do not want to see is a valuable local resource being turned into an expensive white elephant.

"New swimming facilities are to be built soon at Catterick Garrison and, if they prove more attractive, it is bound to have a knock-on effect in Richmond, which could suddenly find itself struggling to survive.

"I want to see more facts and figures before any decision is made, rather than a repeat of what has happened over the sports centre."

Council leader John Blackie said discussion about the pool had been going on for some time, and that the idea of a trust taking over was an attempt to secure its future.

He said: "Creating a leisure trust could mean the pool would be exempt from VAT, and would be able to apply for grants which are not available to the council.

"We have also indicated that, subject to performance improvements, the authority would be prepared to offer financial support for the first three years, which would allow the trust to build a firm financial footing so we can ensure it has a long-term future."