Ten loss-makers to be closed

The move will save Rotherham Borough Council £34,000-a-year and another nine centres are now under review.

But the authority has set aside £150,000 to invest in the 41 which will be kept in order to encourage residents to use them more.

Tenants have to pay £4.77-a-week if they have access to a centre, some of which also have guest bedroom and toilet facilities.

A council spokeswoman said: “A review of the centres was initiated following customer requests in relation to the potential to opt-out and the declining usage of the facilities by the residents.

“In addition, increasing management costs due to rises in utility costs, repairs and maintenance requirements has resulted in the centres operating at an overall financial deficit.”

Of the ten to close, eight will be converted into residential units and two sold.

Last year the centres made a total loss of £83,000.