A FRUSTRATED councillor has called for Tendring Council to review its decision to close a sports venue, saying the move is "absolutely disgusting".

Bill Davidson, who is ward councillor for Dovercourt Vines and Parkeston, has raised concerns the closure of the Harwich Sports Centre might impact both the mental and physical wellbeing of residents.

Back in December it was revealed Tendring Council’s agreement to run both the Harwich and Brightlingsea Sports Centres - at a cost of £147,000 each year- would come to an end.

Brightlingsea councillor Mick Barry put forward an amendment to the council's budget last Tuesday calling for cash to be set aside to extend the funding for another year.

His amendment was however lost by 23 votes to 20.

Mr Davidson said:" The closure of this facility is disgusting really because business have not been consulted.

"I am concerned about the mental health implications of people who live in Parkeston and Ramsey.

"It is a facility that I understand is being used by 35,000 people in a year."

Mr Davidson says he is really "disappointed" and the closure of the venue will mean more people travelling to find alternative sports venue, thus more carbon pollution.

He has also encouraged residents to voice their support for the Harwich Sports Centre by signing the recently launched petition to save the venue.

He added: "When I was elected I was elected for the good of the resident and this is not for their good

"If people are not keeping fit they will be using hospitals and doctors more

"And I am speaking passionately as a person not as a chairman of the council.

"The decision is a disgrace ."

Tendring councillor Alex Porter, who is responsible for leisure and tourism, has previously said: “We can deliver high-quality sports facilities, on a sustainable footing and at a reasonable cost to the tax payer, by focusing our investment in the leisure centres we own and run – rather than operating out of other buildings.

"This worked successfully in the summer when the agreement ended in Manningtree."

To sign the petition visit https://bit.ly/3BEmIW3.