DISTRESSED members of an activity centre earmarked to close have hit out after a councillor failed to attend a crunch meeting.

Colchester Council announced last month it is set to close Lion Walk Activity Centre because of rising costs.

Instead, members will be able to attend Age Concern on North Hill for activities, with the council giving it a grant of £45,000 over two years.

A meeting was set up for members to discuss the proposals with Colchester Council by the portfolio holder Tina Bourne.

But they have hit out after she failed to attend.

Mrs Bourne is a full-time teacher and said she would be attending a meeting in October before a final decision is made.

One Lion Walk member, who did not wish to be named, said: "People were most upset that councillor Tina Bourne was unable to come because she is the portfolio holder.

"She had made the appointment and set the time.

"Quite a lot of people turned up and felt very strongly about it. There is another meeting on September 24 but Tina isn't coming to that either.

"The place at Age Concern isn't big enough for everything that we do. There was an overall feeling that the decision had already been made.

"We would like to meet Tina before the decision is made. It was quite a heated discussion."

Lion Walk Activity Centre was first opened in 1977 and since then has been offering activities and clubs for older people with its current members ranging from 50 to 99-years-old.

It was kept open after Abbotts Road activity centre was shut in 2013 with many of its members moving over.

But the council said it is reviewing running the club because of dwindling membership and increasing costs.

It has more than 180 members at present.

Mrs Bourne, (Lab) councillor responsible for housing and communities, said: "I work full time and the meetings are during the day when the activity centre is open.

"I don't want to promise people I will definitely be there if I can't be because of work.

"I'm not dodging it. People have sent me emails on the consultation.

"I want to speak to people and I will be at a meeting in October and no decision will be made until the consultation is completed."

She added: "We are still talking to Age Concern about some of the facilities they may have."