ANGRY residents in Underwood were told last night that their leisure centre weekly opening hours are being cut by almost two-thirds.

Last year the centre was threatened with closure in a cost-cutting measure by Newport City Council, who said it needed urgent repair work. This February they announced the centre would stay open, but warned its financial problems must still be tackled.

Now it is to close for 12 weeks from April 24 for essential electrical work. After that is completed, it will open for 29.5 hours a week, compared to the 81.5 hours at present - a cut of 52 hours a week.

The public meeting was attended by more than 150 residents. Dennis Williams plays bowls there three mornings a week. He asked Councillor Ron Jones, Newport council cabinet member for culture and recreation: "Where are we going to go now?"

Wendy Whitehead, who runs the children's gymnastics club, said: "We have a waiting list, but you are telling us we don't use it. This place is always packed to the rafters."

Supporters say the centre is well used by groups, including a pool club, darts club, crche, football club, tai chi group, OAP group, playgroup, badminton group, gymnastics group, squash club and bowls club.

Councillor Jones said the cuts were due to budget constraints. He said the leisure department was upset by what was having to happened in Underwood and a few other places.

There are plans for the running of the centre to be taken over on a 25-year lease by an independent non-profit trust, The Underwood Trust.

The Trust secretary, Anne Tyler, told the meeting of plans to bid for £1m of Big Lottery Funding to modernise the centre. She said the Trust would take over as soon as possible, meaning opening hours could then be reorganised.

After the electrical work is completed, the centre will be open from 4-9pm from Mondays to Thursdays, closed on Fridays, open from 9am to 12.30pm on Saturdays and from 2-8pm on Sundays.