CAMPAIGNERS battling to save a sports centre have been urged to attend a public meeting on Friday night.

Richmondshire District Council has warned that Richmond Sports Centre, off Gallowgate, may be closed in this year's battle to balance the books.

The authority says the building is too run down to be worthy of repair and shutting it in April could save up to £40,000.

After 60 people turned up to object when the authority's community committee met last month, the administration agreed to examine a compromise.

Groups with block bookings may be allowed to remain until they have made alternative arrangements while council officers were asked to look for suitable locations.

Councillors Clive World and Tom Burrows made an unsuccessful attempt to have the closure vote called in.

Yesterday, Richmond Town Council confirmed it will hold a public meeting at the town hall, at 6pm, on Friday, to establish what people want to happen.

Richmond Mayor Councillor Stuart Parsons said: "The town council is a financial partner in the sports centre, contributing £3,000 a year, but was never formally consulted about the closure proposals before they appeared on a district council agenda.

"However, we have now been asked for a view on whether the land should be used for social housing and we have called the public meeting to allow the town to decide what we should say.

"What we are hoping for is a clear message to take to the district council which will help settle the argument.''

Richmondshire District Council leader Councillor John Blackie, said the town council had been aware of a question mark over the sports centre's future for some time.

But he could not confirm if it had been given formal notice of the closure proposal.

"If there was an oversight, I would apologise,'' he said.

Coun Blackie said the centre's future had yet to be ratified by a full meeting of the authority, which does not confirm its budget until later this month.

"We would very much welcome some local input,'' he said.

He added that he was aware of a suggestion of a public appeal to raise money to save the centre.

"People should be aware the total costs involved are in the region of £40,000," said Coun Blackie. "But, if there was a public appeal, then we would certainly take it into consideration.''