A decision on the future of a centre in Wales used by Redbridge schools for 50 years will be made following a cabinet debate next week.

The Labour council announced last month it is looking to sell Glasbury House Outdoor Education Centre by August 2015, as part of budget savings.

The site has for decades provided outdoor activities, such as mountain biking and water sports, for up to 1,800 pupils a year.

The council said closure would save around £175,000 per year, with eight staff being made redundant.

In 2012 plans were put forward to sell the facility by the previous Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition, but these were subsequently scrapped following criticism from Labour and the public.

Roles are now reversed with Redbridge Conservative leader, Paul Canal, criticising plans to sell the centre, and deputy leader of the Labour council, Wes Streeting, defending plans by stressing a debate will be held next week by cabinet before any decision is made.

A debate took place on the subject at the council’s Health, Leisure and Older People Service Committee on Monday and the decision was referred to cabinet.

The cabinet will debate and make a decision at 7.15pm on Tuesday evening at Redbridge town hall, in Ilford.