CAMPAIGNERS against proposals to shut down a Southampton sports complex plan a protest march through the city centre next month.

Hundreds of people have already signed a petition against the bid by council leaders to close St Mary's Leisure Centre.

The Daily Echo revealed this week that civic leaders performed a U-turn on proposals to axe football pitches and reduce opening hours at Oaklands Swimming Pool in Lordshill.

But they have decided to press ahead with the scheme to close the St Mary's complex, despite huge opposition.

City council leisure supremo Councillor Peter Wakeford said their decision would save about £129,000 a year. But scores of people are expected to turn-out on February 7 for the march to call on council chiefs to change the decision.

And protest organisers will hand in petitions at the city council's cabinet meeting this Monday, when the Liberal Democrats finalise budget plans.

The matter will then go before the full council on February 18.

Council tax bills in Southampton are set to rise by six per cent this year, despite earlier concerns they would go up by 14 per cent.

Dave Brett, from city young people's sports and learning support group Baseline, which uses the centre, said: "If they close the centre there will be nowhere else for young people to go within a reasonable travelling distance. It is just one of a series of things that are happening to make them feel like the administration do not really care about them."

One campaigner, from Newtown, who asked not to be named, said: "We are not rich, therefore cannot afford to join posh health clubs where the fee is very high.

"Soon there will be nowhere for us to go and the young will be back on the streets getting into all kinds of trouble."

Cllr Wakeford said the sports centre building was not financially viable as it was in need of extensive repairs and that there were other facilities available in the city.