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A deputation representing residents from Middleton spoke out at a meeting of the full council and urged councillors to re-think proposals to shake-up the city's leisure and sports facilities.

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A plan described by the council as an "Olympic vision for sports and leisure facilities in Leeds" was revealed by the council earlier this year and has been out to public consultation.

It includes the closure of centres in Kippax and Garforth to be replaced by one new facility, East Leeds and Fearnville centres would shut and a new centre built, South Leeds would close once the new Morley Leisure Centre has opened and the pool at Middleton would close.

The "dry'" facilities at Middleton and those at Richmond Hill sports hall would also be handed over to the voluntary sector to manage.

There would be investment to improve Bramley Baths and Aireborough, Pudsey, Scott Hall, Kirkstall, Rothwell and Wetherby leisure centres.

Many of the council's ageing leisure centres are in need of upgrade and replacement but the deputation from Middleton told the council that closing their local pool was not the answer to the problem.

They said: "It provides community swimming for all and can be accessed by children from primary schools in the area.

"Without it schools would have to spend money on transport to take the children elsewhere.

"Our centre is the heart of the community and should be allowed to stay open to provide a healthy future for our community."

The meeting agreed to refer the points made by the Middleton deputation and others from Beeston and Garforth to the council's Executive board for consideration.