Residents are set to see a reduction in operating hours at a leisure centre as part council plans to save £140,000.

From April 1, Chafford Sports Complex in Lambs Lane South, Rainham will be open for community use from 4pm to 10.30pm from Monday to Thursday and 4pm to 8.30pm on Fridays; 8am to 1pm on Saturdays and 8am to 12pm on Sundays.

The complex may still open earlier on some days for neighbouring primary school swimming lessons.

Councillor Andrew Curtin, Cabinet Member for Culture, Towns and Communities, said: “We’re managing a £40million cut in our funding from Government over four years – which means we have had to take some difficult decisions, and this is one of them.

“Leisure centre management has told us that the changes will have little impact on regular users, however, we will of course listen to people’s feedback.”