A CAMPAIGN has been launched to save an under threat sports centre in Greenock.

The Inverclyde Council SNP group and community activists have called on the ruling Labour administration to reverse plans to shut Ravenscraig Sports Centre.

The Larkfield facility has had the axe hanging over it since last year’s local authority budget meeting.

It’s thought that closing it down could save £62,000 but local campaigners have launched a last-ditch attempt to ‘save Ravenscraig’.

Councillor Chris McEleny said: “The decision the council has made to close down Ravenscraig Sports Centre is a disgrace.

“The SNP opposed this decision.

“The money exists within the upcoming budget on 20 February to keep Ravenscraig open — we urge all parties to support our campaign.

“The fact is health statistics in Inverclyde need to improve and closing down leisure facilities will only make things worse.

“It’s time to ‘Save Ravenscraig’.” One of the members of the public who is behind the bid to save the centre is Joseph Cannon, 37.

He told the Tele that he attends busy midweek classes there.

Joseph, from Greenock, said: “I’ve been coming here since I was a lad.

“It’s still a valuable part of the community.

“I don’t want it to close.

“I come here on Monday and Wednesday nights for circuit training and between 60 and 100 people attend those alone.” Campaigners hope to drum up support from the public and other political parties in the council chambers.

Councillor Keith Brooks, the SNP group’s communities spokesman, said: “I’m afraid closing down the sports centre is a terrible decision.

“I hope this proposal of ours to put the required funding in to allow Inverclyde Leisure to continue running the facility is agreed by the other parties.” Ward councillor Innes Nelson added: “Ravenscraig Sports Centre is a much valued facility which is well used by local people and it would be a travesty if it was closed down.”