COUNCILLORS have spoken of their dismay at the rejection of a National Lottery bid for a new community sports centre.

South Tyneside Council said it was considering its options after Sport England's decision not to offer £3.5m towards the cost of the £7.2m project.

Council leader Paul Waggot said: "This is a huge disappointment to us and we must look at why we have been rejected and consider what options are available."

Sport England said there was not sufficient demand for the facility in the Coronation Street site at South Shields.