Shadsworth Leisure Centre users are ‘gutted’ it is set to be axed to save £300,000 a year.

The announcement has prompted an outcry, with accusations that the town hall is neglecting one of Blackburn’s poorest areas.

Funding will also be pulled from the estate’s community centre.

Its closure from August 30 is due to be rubber-stamped on Thursday night.

Leisure and culture chief Trevor Maxfield blamed cuts imposed by central government.

He said: “Obviously it’s something nobody wants to do, but with the financial constraints we really didn’t have a choice.”

Coun Maxfield said Shadsworth was in competition with Darwen’s new £12million leisure centre.

He added: “It had to be Shadsworth because of the dilapidated state of the building, purely and simply.”

The leisure centre has a swimming pool, fitness centre, sports hall and the borough’s only public squash courts.

Zoe Taylor, who teaches 250 children at her academy based at Shadsworth, said: “I have been there since September 2007, and I have never seen it busier.

"It’s absolutely heaving. The car parks are full, the squash courts are busy and the staff are brilliant.

“I am absolutely gutted.”

The dance academy will not be closing. Ms Taylor said she would be finding a new base.

Staff were told of the closure plans this week in a meeting described as ‘glum’ by one of the workers.

Council chief say they would try and find new jobs for the 15 staff.

Joe Burns, who has taught judo at the centre for more than 30 years, said: “I think it’s pathetic that the council can shut down a centre without any consultation.

“Up to 60 kids a week come to our judo classes and we are all feeling very let down.”

Veteran Labour councillor Tony Humphries, who represents Shadsworth with Whitebirk, said: “Shadsworth is one of the most deprived parts of Lancashire.”

Click on the link below for our exclusive story on the Blackburn with Darwen cuts.