COUNCIL bosses have defended the decision to spend £2.9million on an athletics track - while closing down a popular leisure centre.

Protestors fighting to save Shadsworth Leisure Centre said it was a ‘kick in the teeth’ that the cash was being spent on revamping the athletics facilities at Witton Park.

According to Blackburn with Darwen council, Shadsworth is losing more than £300,000 a year.

It is set to close after being included in the town hall’s £4million cost-cutting plans for this year.

At the same time, the investment in Witton Park - which is mostly coming from council funds - is to continue.

Leisure and culture chief Trevor Maxfield claimed the overall cost of the scheme had been reduced by £250,000 since it was first proposed.

He said: “The decision to create new facilities at Witton Park was made last year, and funding was committed then.

“The investment will add new facilities to the borough to support sport at all levels.”

The new facilities, which will provide spectator space for 400 people, changing facilities and an indoor running track, will be used by Blackburn Harriers.

Meanwhile, the future looks bleak for Shadsworth Leisure Centre, which provides much-needed sporting facilities for people on the estate, one of the most deprived in the borough.

Terry Moorby, who is leading the campaign, said: “It’s all about priorities.

"They seem to be able to find £2.9million for an athletics track but not £300,000 for Shadsworth.”