A local business owner has released a statement reminding Rutland residents that her business is not attached to Rutland County Council following the receipt of frustrated messages about the closure of Catmose Sports Centre.

Carolyn Acton-Reed, who owns and runs Oakham and Rutland Events, has shared a desperate message on social media this week reminding local people that she is not to blame for the closure of the leisure facility, having received a host of frustrated messages intended for Rutland County Council.

Following the announcement from Rutland County Council that Oakham's only leisure centre, Catmose Sports Centre, would be closing at the end of March, the public took to social media to share their frustration.

Unfortunately, some have been reaching out to the Oakham and Rutland Events organiser under the assumption that she is a part of Rutland County Council, when she is not.

Ms Acton-Reed is concerned that the frustration aimed at the Council from local people following this decision will have an impact on her business and livelihood.

Ms Acton-Reed said: "I just want to remind everyone that I do not work for or am part of Rutland County Council or Oakham Town Council. I am a small business and run events in Oakham as well as planning events for customers all over the country.

"I have had a few comments and messages recently from people regarding the closure of Catmose Sports Centre and suggesting I focus more on this than events in town.

"I, like most of you are very saddened by the news that the centre would be closing and have supported the petition.

"I pay Rutland County Council a huge amount of money to run the events (road closures, hire of Oakham Castle) and run the events as I love my job and love supporting small businesses.

"Please still support us and come along to the events in town that are run by myself and others. Thank you."

The events hosted by Carolyn's Oakham and Rutland Events include the Rutland Music Festival, Late Night Shopping, and Rutland Food & Drink Festival.

Find out more about Oakham and Rutland Events here.

Alternatively, read more about the closure of Catmose Sports Centre here.