Demolition work at the Hermitage Leisure Centre will go ahead as planned - despite strong renewed opposition locally which has accused the council of 'ecological and societal vandalism'.

North West Leicestershire District Council's Cabinet gave the go-ahead two months ago for the building to be flattened after the new Whitwick & Coalville Leisure Centre was opened in February.

And the council has confirmed that work would be taking place - but would be limited to being between the hours of 0700 - 1900 hrs Monday to Friday and 0700 - 1300 hrs on Saturday.

No work will be taking place on Sundays or Bank Holidays - with demolition due to start in the new year.

The site is likely to be redeveloped in the form of affordable housing.

However, a number of objections were raised after when the planning application was made following the council's rubber stamping.

A letter from Sue Colledge and Amanda Straw, of the Whitwick Action Group, says: "We object in the strongest possible terms to the demolition of the Hermitage Leisure Centre building .

"This building has potential for a further 25 years of life with minimal investment in roof repairs.

"Any energy conservation measures could be retrofitted to bring running costs in line with current ecological desires .

"Any 'green' building is one that has already been built .

"The construction of new buildings is of great damage to the overall ecology of our country .

"The environmental damage caused by the release of the captured carbon within this building is of major concern .

"The area of Whitwick and Thringstone has been identified as a 'people zone' in the police and crime commissioner initiative.

"This building could be a core solution to some of the needs identified as present in the area.

"Groups could come together to support vulnerable residents with their needs and to encourage our most disconnected members of society to engage .

"The destruction of a much- needed community resource is short-sighted and it is tantamount to both ecological and societal vandalism.

"The new Whitwick & Coalville Leisure Centre was built on The Green Wedge.

"The Hermitage Leisure Centre building should be returned to the community to offset the precedent created by this."

Whitwick Parish Council also made its opposition clear in a letter to the District Council.

It reads: "The parish council resolved to object to the demolition of this community asset in the strongest possible terms because there was still potential use for this building.

"There is a clear environmental impact when shortening the lifespan of something constructed for a special purpose.

"The parish objects to the huge release of captured carbon that demolition will doubtlessly create.

"We note that your application clarifies the intention to create a new grass seeded area.

"The parish council wishes to ask what environmental mitigation measures are being taken by the applicant to help improve or offset their environmental impact within Whitwick?

"The parish council also wishes to ask for a donation to help improve or increase our current tree stock which will help to reduce the current carbon dioxide concerns within the parished area."