COUNCIL bosses are standing by their decision to close a popular sports centre, despite an alternative venue claiming it cannot cope with an influx of extra people.

Richmondshire District Council voted to close the Richmond Sports Centre to save money earlier this month.

More than 60 people turned up at a meeting to protest and they were told facilities at Brompton-on-Swale could accommodate more people.

However, a spokesman for the management committee which runs the centre said they were not aware they would be expected to compensate for a shortfall in sports provision in Richmond.

"Someone from the council did come to look around but we told them then we are already busy. Besides, the hall was built for the people of Brompton-on-Swale and, as such, they would always be given priority," he said.

District authority unit manager Geoff Thompson has insisted the information given to councillors was based on what the administration was told by those responsible for taking bookings at Brompton-on-Swale.

He said there were still alternatives to investigate at the Colburn Health and Recreation Centre.

The council is also examining if it can allow groups with block bookings to remain at Richmond if they have not found a new home by April.

Councillor John Blackie, leader of the council, said: "I would accept there will be an under provision in Richmond in the short-term, but only so we can provide a benefit in the long-term.

"We must not forget new facilities are soon to be built at Richmond's St Francis Xavier School which we hope will be available to the public, not to mention the new sports centre planned nearby at Catterick Garrison.''

The closure of the Richmond facilities will be discussed at a full meeting of the council next month.

"It only goes to prove the community committee did not have the full facts when it voted to close the Richmond Sports Centre,'' said Coun Tom Burrows, whose attempt to have the decision reviewed was rejected.