The council looks set to pull funding from Tooting Bec Athletics Track as it considers a staff mutual and refuses to back opposition proposals to block private companies.

The community services scrutiny committee discussed the track being run as part of a leisure and culture staff mutual, expected to take over a number of town hall services from next year.

The model would be similar to how the borough's libraries are now run.

However, it was revealed the council would also seek expressions of interest from sports clubs, voluntary groups and fitness professionals.

All bidders would be required to keep the track open, accessible and affordable for the public. Labour councillors and Tooting MP Sadiq Khan were fuming Tory councillors refused to back their amendment to stop private companies bidding to run the track.

The announcement was made after a private Tory document was leaked by a councillor and revealed the track was being considered among other services for closure.

Campaigners and Tooting MP Sadiq Khan MP launched a campaign, Keep the Track Running, and have a petition with more than 3,000 signatures calling for protection to ensure the track stays open and affordable.

Mr Khan said the council was committed to putting the public track out to private tender.

He added: "The council claim they want to save the track, but actions speak louder than words. Rather than taking time to consider the best options for protecting the future of the track, as proposed by Labour councillors, the Tory-led council want to plough ahead, whatever the consequences."

Community services spokesman, Councillor Jonathan Cook, said: "We believe that the best management model for this type of community facility is to have it run on a day to day basis by the people who know it best.

"The existing staff team fit that description very well - but so do the many sports clubs who use the track regularly as well as local voluntary groups, charities and indeed local residents who have the kind of expertise needed to run the track successfully.

"We are approaching this whole process with a completely open mind. Our only aim is to select the people who will do the best job of running this much loved and popular sports facility."