A FINAL bid has been launched to save the leisure centre in Lauder from closure, we can reveal.

Community councillors this week heard Leader Leisure Centre is set to close at the end of June amid reports it is struggling financially.

However, the Border Telegraph understands that talks are underway to transfer the running of the company, which boasts a gym, sports hall, cafe, and nursery, to a not for profit trust in an effort to keep it open.

Speaking following a meeting of Lauderdale Community Council on Monday night, local Councillor John Paton-Day said: "I personally think if they could get more people in there then they could save it." But he added: "This is a last ditch plea." It is envisaged Lauder Community Trust could replace the Lauder Development Forum and take over the running of all sports facilities in the town - including the leisure centre - as well as being responsible for managing the public hall and town jail after plans were mooted to transform the neighbouring registrar's office into a tourist information centre.

Councillor Paton-Day said: "At the moment the leisure centre is a limited company but there is no reason why that couldn't become a trust which could help attract funding from elsewhere." He added: "All the councillors involved want it to stay open but, at the moment, our hands our tied."