RESIDENTS have failed in their bid to save a popular sports centre from closure.

Richmondshire councillors have voted to close the Richmond Sports Centre in April.

Senior members say the move will save the authority an estimated £40,000.

The decision by the district council's community committee will have to be ratified by a meeting of the full authority next month.

However, the administration has already asked its officers to examine concessions which could be made to minimise disruption for people who use the centre.

At the suggestion of council leader John Blackie, groups with block bookings and the Richmond After School Club may be allowed to remain in the building, unsupervised by council staff, until alternative accommodation has been found for them.

Once they relocate, the building would close and the council would examine the possibility of selling the site for low-cost housing.

More than 80 people sent letters of objection to the council .

Richmond After School Club proprietor Sarah Gruffydd said she had been given little notice of a decision which could force her out of business and could leave parents with a choice to make between work or their children.

Coun Paul Cullen urged fellow members not to renege on the promise the authority made not to close the sports centre until an alternative was available.

However, members voted to support Coun Blackie's proposal that the centre should close on April 17, although current user groups may be allowed to stay until they find new homes.

The council hopes to secure dual use when a new sports hall is built at St Francis Xavier School.