THE sale of a former sports centre for 'essential' affordable housing could get the go-ahead today.

District councillors will decide whether to sell Richmond Sports Centre to a housing association at a meeting tonight.

If the deal goes ahead, Tees Valley Housing Group plans to build about 12 one and two bedroom apartments on the site.

Despite protests from residents, the loss-making sports centre in Gallowgate was controversially closed in April last year.

Coun Richard Dunn, deputy leader of Richmondshire District Council, survived calls for his resignation during the uproar when the closure was announced.

He said: "We are desperately short of affordable housing.

"Comparatively low wages and high house prices are a double-whammy in Richmondshire.

"With these two developments and the conversion of council garage sites currently under way in the district, we will be making real progress this year."

If the housing group agrees to buy the sports centre, the council is considering giving the not-for-profit firm the old school kitchen land in Nun's Close car park, Richmond.

The housing association would then build about six houses on the site of the former antiques shop.

A contribution of £585,000 from the proceeds of council tax on second homes in the district would go towards the redevelopment of the two sites.

Plans for more cheap homes in Richmond are already in the pipeline.

Last week, council leader John Blackie branded property developers George Wimpey North-East 'mean' for only proposing three low-cost homes in its plans for a 48-home development in Reeth Road, Richmond.

Coun Blackie said: "Affordable housing is a real issue not only in Richmond but throughout Richmondshire.

"We must lead from the front and show these sorts of developers we mean business."

The building company has since said it is willing to discuss the number of low-cost homes included in its plans for the former hockey pitch.

The sale of the sports centre and the adjacent former Richmond and Zetland Harriers building, will be discussed at the council's resources committee meeting tonight at 6.30pm in Swale House, Richmond.

Members of the public are welcome to attend.