A BID to overturn a controversial decision to close Richmond sports centre was defeated by a single vote.

Local councillors Tom Burrows and Clive World said that neither the public nor Richmondshire district council's partners were consulted properly before the authority recommended the complex should close in April.

They also claimed the community committee, which made the decision, did not have the full facts at its disposal on January 13 and could, therefore, not make an informed decision.

Both councillors appeared before the overview and scrutiny co-ordination panel to request the matter be reconsidered.

Coun World said: "The meeting was told the council may be able to examine the idea of keeping the centre open temporarily until the current users have found new homes.

"But why wasn't that looked at as an option until 2006, when other facilities in the district will be built and ready for use?''

Coun Burrows claimed the running costs the committee were given were not accurate because they omitted a £3,000 contribution from Richmond Town Council.

He also pointed out the report did not include a projection of what losses or profits the centre would make in the coming 12 months if it was allowed to stay open.

Called to give evidence to the panel, unit manager Geoff Thompson said his report had not recommended closure but merely suggested it was something the council may want to consider.

That prompted the Mayor of Richmond and panel member, Councillor Stuart Parsons, to suggest that the decision may be an experiment which had gone horribly wrong.

He said: "Given all the aspects we have been given, I suggest we should call in the decision and ask officers to prepare a full report on the alternatives and their financial implications.''

The motion was defeated on the casting vote of the panel chairman, Councillor Yvonne Peacock.

Councillors took the vote after Councillor John Gill urged that the decision should be allowed to stand.

He said: "I think the debate on January 13 was very long and detailed and fairly easy for committee members who had to make the decision to understand."

Richmondshire council estimates that closure will save more than £40,000 and that centres at Colburn and Brompton-on-Swale can cope with extra bookings.