Anger has erupted over a decision to close the gym at Inverclyde Sports Centre for 14 months as part of a £12million ‘world class’ redevelopment.

The 'News' has seen ambitions early plans for the redevelopment - which will build upon the intial upgrade of accommodation at the centre.

However, the current sports facilties will be affected while the development takes place, including the fitness suite.

News of the closure was met with disappointment from number of users at a meeting at Inverclyde on Monday evening.

Inverclyde principal John Kent has acknowledged the difficult decisions, including the demolition of the old hotel, but said that the chance of getting similar investment in the future is unlikely.

Key to the funding is the development of both the sports and accommodation facilities as fully accessible to all.

Cunninghame North MSP Kenneth Gibson has said that governing body sportscotland will redouble their efforts to find an alternative for disgruntled users.

The facility — the Excel fitness suite — will close on 4 October.

After that, there will be no provision for gym users at Inverclyde until December 2016 when a new gym will open at an ambitious £12m new world-class sports development which will include 50 full adapted residential rooms, facilities and support services in an all round accessible sporting environment.

Full story in this week's Largs News.