CUTS to sports facilities make no sense at a time when the government is pledged to tackling childhood obesity, according to campaigners in Bishop's Castle.

They are concerned that savings being made by Shropshire Council threaten the future of the SpArC sports and leisure centre.

"With the Olympics on and the government publishing their much-criticised strategy on childhood obesity, it is crazy that the council is cutting more from leisure centres who do so much to keep people fit,” said Councillor Heather Kidd, who is keeping a watching brief on Bishop's Castle following the resignation of Charlotte Barnes.

“It’s particularly galling that the council has just chosen SpArC, Church Stretton and Cleobury Mortimer for cuts, leaving the others untouched."

Shropshire Council's budget strategy report includes a cut of £77,830 that is identified as 25% cut to Teme Leisure for 2017/18.

It will directly affect SpArC and could close the pool.

"This is grossly unfair when the leader of council has given town and parish councils a year to work with the council to find a way to fund these services,” added Heather Kidd.

“What are we to do in south-west Shropshire? Why cut us when the rest of Shropshire has untouched leisure services? Serco run services such as those in Shrewsbury and Oswestry and are left with no cuts at all.

"The whole community is working hard to save SpArC. There are a number of events over the summer which will add to the £36,000-plus already raised to make the centre more energy efficient.”