A CIVIC chief has warned park campaigners that continuing their legal action would be a 'waste of time'.  

Cllr Martin Tod made the comments about the Friends of River Park's intentions to appeal the High Court's refusal for a judicial review of the decision the city council made in March.

This was about selling the leisure centre and part of the surrounding area to Southampton University.

Speaking at Winchester City Council's Cabinet meeting, Cllr Tod said: "The High Court refused permission for a judicial review to challenge a decision the council made in March about the future use of the River Park Leisure Centre. 

"The decision at the High Court found that the decision was legally correct. The council has also been awarded £5,000 in costs. We have always been confident that the decision to allow the university the space and time to look at developing its campus at the former River Park Leisure Centre was sound. I am pleased the judge recognised this.

"While I am aware those opposing this want to take their case to the court of appeal, we're confident that the result isn't going to be any different. All they're doing is wasting everyone's time and their supporter's money, much of which, in any case, will just be paid to the city council."

READ MORE: High court rejects legal challenge to council decision over River Park Leisure Centre

Following the High Court's decision, on October 12, a spokesman for The Friends of River Park said: "Unfortunately, our renewed application on October 12 for leave to present the case for a judicial review in the High Court was not granted.

"However, undaunted, the Friends intend to continue the challenge. The support we have received has been very encouraging. It is clear that many of Winchester’s residents agree that the council’s behaviour in disposing of the River Park Leisure Centre site, without any consultation and in apparent breach of the duty of trust they owe the public, is wrong."