A NEWPORT community fears its leisure centre is to be closed.

The council said Underwood leisure centre needs urgent electrical and repair work that would cost about 1m, and closing it would save around 140,000 a year.

Resident Kerry Bennett, 32, of Hawthorn Close, said: "It's the heart and soul of our community and it's a lifeline. My two children and I come to kickboxing and gymnastics classes here and the kids love it for parties.

"Without it, we'd have to go to Spytty or Liswerry. I don't drive so that would mean catching two buses, which would take too long."

The centre employs 12 staff and has a sports hall, practice hall, fitness gym, squash court, bar, outdoor court and function room. A nursery group also uses it.

Mike Williams, chairman of Langstone community council, said: "Residents from many surrounding villages also use it."

Glyn Fennell, of Waltwood Road, Underwood, said: "It's very well used. I play bowls here three times a week and we have to book ten weeks in advance."