A community leisure centre has been saved from closure after a last minute deal was struck with new agents to takeover the facility.

Meopham Leisure Centre is set to reopen with a "remodelled service" following an agreement to secure its "short-term future".

The lease on the facility near Gravesend draws to a close on Friday, July 29 and managers had warned it could shut permanently if an extension could not be agreed.

The facility is based at Meopham Secondary School and operated by The Swale Academies Trust (SAT) with day-to-day running managed by the Meopham Sport and Leisure Association (MSLA).

Campaigners were trying to raise £30,000 to keep the community gym open for a further six months to give those involved breathing space and a chance to strike an agreement.

A donation page was set up and facility operators Serco Leisure gave supporters– who protested outside in their hundreds earlier this month – a deadline to raise the full sum but the target was not reached in time.

It prompted the MSLA – which is responsible for the gym's day to day running – to reveal the extent of the centre's dire financial straits.

Trustees warned that although the business had recovered well since the pandemic it had still not yet broke even and if it continued to operate for another six months losses stood to be between £20-30,000.

However, the MSLA has since issued a further update to say "with immense pride" the centre had been saved with a "remodelled service" in place.

A statement said: "Trustee’s for the MSLA have continued to recognise the impact our facility has in the community, who have strived to keep it open.

"We have been working through a number of options, and have managed to secure a new managing agent, Swale Community Leisure (who are an independent charitable organisation and not to be confused with the Swale Academies Trust) on a fixed term arrangement.

"We would also like to express gratitude to our current operating partner Serco Leisure for all their assistance during this difficult period working in partnership to find solutions to keep this community asset open."

Russ Parker, chairman of the MSLA, added: "The trustees of the MSLA are extremely grateful for all the support of the local community in recent weeks and believe the partnership agreed with Swale Community Lesure will secure the future of the centre for years to come."

Swale Community Leisure was set up in 2004 and manages a number of leisure and community facilities nearby in Kent, including in Sheerness and Sittingbourne.

It's understood the new operator's business model will better align with the aims of the leisure centre than the current provider.

The new centre manager will focus on "core priorities" including maintaining key opening hours and mainstream services such as gym access, and hire/external hire usage.

It is also intended that specific charitable projects such as the Holiday Activity and Food Scheme (HAF) and Reconnect, for children on free school meals, will remain.

Campaigner Christopher Morris said the news had gone down positively among supporters who had backed the leisure centre.

"There is a WhatsApp group of all the people campaigning and the overwhelming feeling was relief," he explained. "But concerns are still there on the impact on individuals.

"There is a WhatsApp group of all the people campaigning and the overwhelming feeling was relief."

He added: "There are still consultations to be had with existing staff and not all could be retained."

It comes after the MSLA announced that despite the last minute deal to rescue the premises jobs linked to the community gym could be at risk.

"It is with regret that the new operating model only preserves a number of employment positions," the trustees explained.

"We apologise for how this situation has disrupted users, hires and staff and fully appreciate that this has been a difficult and challenging time for all concerned.

"The unwavering efforts of the MLSA and their partners have secured the short-term future of the continued community service, while discussions with Swale Academies Trust and Meopham Secondary School can continue."

Funds donated to help save the facility will now be used to help with the running of the centre under Swale Community Leisure.

Problems had arisen at the expiry of the leader due to existing operators, SAT being advised by the government to charge the full commercial rate rather than the current peppercorn rate.

The MSLA concluded that the risk of commercial rent being applied meant that even in the "best financial climate" it would have been impossible to balance the books.

In response, the SAT said its priority is the education of children and not the subsidisation of third party organisations.

The MSLA was formed in 1985 and is responsible for the management and development of leisure facilities and activities at the centre which includes a gym, sports hall and courts, workout classes and a crèche.

Members who pay by direct debit will have their next payment taken on August 1 and it will continue to be taken on the first of each month going forward.