South Leeds Sports Centre closure date set

A Leeds leisure centre which has suffered from falling visitor numbers will be closed on 1 November.

Campaigners fought to save the South Leeds Sports Centre in Beeston because they felt alternative facilities were too far away.

Councillors decided to close the centre after hearing the monthly running cost to the council was £25,000.

The council is to hold six months of negotiations with Tiger 11, a community group which wants to take on the site.

The council said the decision to close the centre would not impinge on any future plans of Tiger 11 to run it as the group's proposals include a refurbishment programme, which would see the centre closed for a period of time as part of their takeover.

If Tiger 11 fails to come up with a suitable plan for the centre within six months the council will consider other options for the site.

Councillor Adam Ogilvie, the council's executive member for leisure, said: "The decision to close the centre is one that we have taken reluctantly but we are optimistic that we can work with Tiger 11 to ensure the facility can once again be viable and well used by the local community."