Guinea Gap leisure centre saved from closure
A Wirral leisure centre which was earmarked for closure has been saved.
The future of Guinea Gap in Wallasey was threatened when the council announced it was planning an overhaul of leisure facilities in 2008.
The sports centre was recommended for closure, along with 11 of the borough's public libraries.
Councillors announced at a meeting on Thursday they had set aside £640,000 to meet the running costs of the baths until 2012.
People across Wirral had objected to the cuts in public facilities, with hundreds joining demonstrations in the area.
The plans were halted after then Culture Secretary Andy Burnham ordered an inquiry into the closures.
Despite this, funding for the baths had been due to run out in March next year but it has now been given a two-year reprieve.
Councillor David Elderton, Wirral's cabinet member for culture, tourism and leisure, said: "Guinea Gap is a much-loved and well-used community facility.
"It was a mistake to try to close it and I would like to pay tribute to all those who fought to keep it open.
"This is great news for people in Wallasey and the wider Wirral community."