SOUTHAMPTON residents flocked to the civic centre to protest the closure of a 'vital' inner-city sports complex.

Campaigners are calling on the city council to save St Mary's Leisure Centre from closing forever.

More than 50 people of all ages rallied together during a protest at around 5.30pm on Monday.

Youngsters and the elderly waved placards and unfurled banners as part of the demonstration that coincided with the council cabinet meeting.

The local authority previously announced that the centre in St Mary's Road would close for Christmas this Thursday.

However, it will stay shut until the council decides when it will pull services from the site.

Graham Henry, a 60-year-old St Mary's resident, told the Daily Echo: "In these times, health and well-being are at the forefront of so many people's minds.

"We've just come out of lockdown and a lot of people are struggling with their mental health and being able to go to the leisure centre, which sits right at the heart of the community. In a community that has done so much over the years, it's vital that we keep these centres open, just as a community hub if not anything else.

Parveen Ishfaq, a 52-year-old school worker, said: "We want to save St. Mary's leisure centre for various reasons. The centre will help with our mental and physical well-being.

"The sports complex is well-used every day. There are over 300 people that use the centre every day.

"This is the only building owned by the council, and we would like the council to support it.

"It is important that the council recognise the people that use it as it hugely impacts their lives and well being.

A spokesperson for Southampton City Council said: "We understand that people will be passionate about proposed changes to community facilities such as St Mary’s Leisure Centre. A consultation is currently live to understand what impact a potential end to leisure services at this venue would have on those who use it, and we encourage everyone to have their say.

Once the consultation closes on Monday, 24 January 2022, all responses will be analysed and considered before any final decisions on the future of St Mary’s Leisure Centre are made."

As reported by the Daily Echo, the centre has been run by Solent University since 2010. However, on December 31, the council's contract will come to an end.

A consultation period is open until January 24 to assess how permanent closure would affect locals.

To view more information and complete the online consultation, visit: www.southampton.gov.uk/stmarysleisurecentre."