Marchers oppose closure of baths

The building is almost 150 years old

More than 150 people have marched through Nottingham's streets chanting slogans to protest against the closure of a 150-year-old leisure centre.

The city council plans to shut the Victoria Leisure Centre in Sneinton because it is too expensive to run.

The authority said improvements to extend the pool and install a fitness suite would cost £7.5m.

Local resident John Harlow said the decision to close the Victorian baths was "outrageous".

'Sell-by date'

The closure would seriously affect residents of all ages in the area who need good local recreation facilities, he said.

Janice Harlow said: "They want to knock down this beautiful Victorian building and take away the facilities from the citizens of Nottingham."

Protesters, including clowns on stilts and a drum band, marched from the city's Old Market Square to the leisure centre at noon on Saturday.

But Councillor David Trimble said: "It is always a difficult decision to close any facility but Victoria has gone well past its sell-by date.

"The proposal to close it is part of an over-arching rationale to provide fewer but better quality community leisure centres."

A final decision on the plans will be made on 18 March.