CAMPAIGNERS battling to save a sports centre from the axe say they have not given in - despite the building closing at the weekend.

Richmondshire Sports Centre, in Richmond, was earmarked for closure at a meeting of the local council in January.

Richmondshire District Council said the building was making a loss and members voted to shut it down as a cost-cutting measure to limit a rise in council tax.

Regular users of the facility were infuriated by the decision, claiming they were not properly consulted and may have been able to come up with alternative solutions if they had been given time.

Their arguments were not enough to prompt a change of heart and the centre's doors were shut on Saturday.

Yesterday, the town's mayor, Councillor Stuart Parsons - who has been a leading member of the fight to save the sports centre - insisted the battle was not over.

"Complaints have been sent to the Ombudsman and the Standards Board for England and we are waiting for their findings," he said. "We certainly haven't given up yet."

As well as identifying alternative facilities at privately-run sports halls in Colburn and Brompton-on-Swale, Richmondshire council defended its decision by emphasising the town may benefit from partnerships with schools within the next few years.

Both Richmond School and the St Francis Xavier School have announced plans for new sports halls which could be used by the wider public.

The authority is also to contribute to the costs of a multi-million-pound sports centre planned at Catterick Garrison.