SNP councillors were blasted for ‘political mischief making’ as a bitter row erupted over their campaign to ‘save’ closure-threatened Ravenscraig Sports Centre.

Labour council leader Stephen McCabe called out his nationalist opponents on the issue as it emerged they already KNEW about a plan to keep the Larkfield facility open.

SNP group leader Chris McEleny and his colleagues had publicly condemned a proposal made last year by the ruling administration to shut Ravenscraig as a ‘disgrace’.

But now it has emerged that his fellow councillor Math Campbell-Sturgess — a board member of the centre’s operator, Inverclyde Leisure — was ‘well aware’ that an options appraisal aimed at retaining Ravenscraig was already underway.

The feasibility study — expected to be completed shortly — is examining possible alternative uses for the centre.

Despite this knowledge, Mr Campbell-Sturgess joined with other SNP councillors at the Save Ravenscraig campaign launch, posing for a picture alongside his fellow SNP councillors and users of the centre.

In a flashpoint moment during the stormy council budget meeting on Thursday, Councillor McCabe said: “I am advised that their representative on the Inverclyde Leisure board was well aware of the ongoing options appraisal and the commitment to keep the centre open until the outcome of this exercise was considered.” The council has agreed to reinstate Ravenscraig’s £62,000 annual running costs — which were removed from spending plans a year ago — and ring-fenced a further £600,000 to save the centre pending the result of the feasibility study into its future.

During the full council meeting on Thursday the SNP’s Mr McEleny also insisted that his budget amendment would have saved the centre through a £620,000 ‘employability scheme’.

It was later clarified by senior council official Alan Puckrin, the acting regeneration and resources director, that the SNP plan was to keep the centre open provided there was ‘no cost to the council’.

Mr McCabe said his strategy provided funding for possible alternative uses for the centre, adding: “But it also crucially leaves open the option to retain Ravenscraig as a sports centre, offering similar activities to those currently available.

“The final decision will be made following consultation with the local community and users of the centre.”