Woodhouse Leisure Complex Picture: SARAH CALDECOTT A PROPOSAL to close a town leisure centre in favour a new state-of-the art facility faces opposition from residents and gym users. Durham County Council s proposal for Bishop Auckland is part of a £78m leisure transformation across the county – including new facilities at Chester-le-Street and Seaham – which it says will have health, social and economic benefits. But almost 300 people have signed an online petition against the closure of Woodhouse Close Leisure Centre, in favour of a new facility next to Bishop Auckland Football Club’s ground, at Tindale Crescent. Officers considered revamping the Woodhouse facility, which is 53 years old; relocation to Bishop Auckland College or even a dual site.