A Worcestershire leisure centre is to close next month as part of a council’s cost-cutting scheme, following an annual loss of more than £100,000 for the past three years.

Bromsgrove District Council is to withdraw its funding for Haybridge Sports Centre in Hagley on 31 March.

Phil Street, executive director of the council, told Stourbridge News: “I don’t want to infer we are not interested in health and fitness. We have to make difficult decisions because our budget is relatively limited, about £16m, we have to use resources wisely and carefully.”

Leading protestor, Dr David Nicholl, retorted: “The council has not been transparent about this issue, these facilities are being used and are an essential part of why we pay our council tax.”

It is hoped that the adjoining Haybridge High School, which uses the facilities, will take over the running of the centre, as has successfully happened at the other leisure centre to face closure in Wythall.