Protest outside Southampton's St Mary's Leisure Centre

Dozens of people, including political figures and local stalwarts, gathered outside the facility in St Mary's Road this afternoon.

The city council closed the building on December 23, and it will remain shut until a decision is made on plans for ending its services indefinitely.

But this has sparked backlash amongst its hundreds of regular users.

City councillor Satvir Kaur said that one youngster told her the leisure centre is "why they hadn't joined a gang".

Cllr Satvir Kaur at the protest

"It is amazing and humbling to be here with different ages, religions and backgrounds," she said. "We are united and we are fighting back united to save the facility.

"It's not just a place for people to play sport, although that is exceptionally important, I've been to two weddings here, I've been to prayers here.

"It's closing before the consultation which is isn't right and proper. The council is willing to spend quarter of a million on a private road, but can't save St Mary's.

"They're claiming that it's run down, but it's passed all its health and safety tests. You could open it today and people could do their regular activities – it's all a lie."

Since 2010, St Mary's Leisure Centre has been managed by Solent University on behalf of the city council, allowing members of the community to access a range of indoor activities.

However, following the completion of the university's new Solent Sports Complex just a few roads away, a range of activities currently being run at the St Mary's Road site are also being offered at the new facility.

Southampton Test MP Alan Whitehead, who attended the protest, said: "I'm delighted to be here this afternoon to show my solidarity and support to keep the leisure centre open, and keep it striving for the future.

MP Alan Whitehead at the protest

"I've known about St Marys Leisure Centre for many years, particularly because I played football here for many years and I know how important it is the community, for the city, because it is not just another centre in the middle of the city, it's actually a centre that has a valuable role in this Southampton community.

"It is quite literally irreplaceable. You and your cause absolutely has my full support to keep it open. It's a superb facility and I know that it's something pretty much everybody here today has used before."