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

Richmondshire councillors have voted to continue with plans 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 facility.

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 shut for good and the council would examine the possibility of selling the site for low-cost housing.

Barrack View resident Anne Virdee was among more than 80 people to send the council letters of objection.

She was given an ovation at a public meeting on Tuesday night when she asked if the authority would be giving up its Beacon status after its "shabby treatment" of people who use the centre.

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.

Councillor 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 Councillor 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.

He said: "I believe, if we can secure dual use of the new four-court sports hall to be built at Richmond's St Francis Xavier School and we remember the fantastic new facilities to come in Catterick Garrison, we could have a wonderful provision of sports facilities in the Richmond area within the next two years.''