Cornwall Council's cabinet votes to close Ships and Castles in Falmouth

Councillors said two bids to save Ships and Castles in Falmouth were not viable

Councillors have voted to close a leisure centre and swimming pool.

Cornwall Council officers recommended the closure of Ships and Castles, in Falmouth, after operator Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) said it could no longer run it without more support.

Cabinet members voted on Friday to carry the recommendation, and the centre will close on 31 March.

Campaigners said they were "gutted" at the announcement.

Wadebridge Leisure Centre was given a two-week extension before a final decision is made over its future.

Campaigners gathered outside the meeting at County Hall in Truro on Friday

The fate of Ships and Castles was decided by the cabinet of Cornwall Council at an extraordinary meeting.

The report to the cabinet recommended: "That alternative options be developed for leisure provision for the Falmouth and Penryn area which may include the disposal of the Falmouth Ships and Castles site."

The centre also has a gym for use by local people

Councillor Richard Pears, portfolio holder for leisure, told the meeting two organisations had bid to take over Ships and Castles, but neither were "economically viable".

A spokesperson for Better Leisure, part of GLL which runs the centre, said on Tuesday: "If the cabinet decide that all avenues to find a workable solution have been exhausted, the council could be working with GLL to close Ships and Castles by March 31, 2022."

The large glass building of the Ships and Castles leisure centre overlooks the harbour at Falmouth

It said after a decision was made on Friday it would be in touch with members and other users "to advise on next steps".

A spokesperson for campaign group Pendennis Leisure said it was "absolutely gutted" and it would "continue to do all we can to keep Ships and Castles operating".