Hillingdon School of Gymnastics has closed after backing out of a legal battle with Hillingdon Council.

The official receiver of the High Court took the building, in Victoria Road, South Ruislip, off Mike and Tania Swallow on Friday, after they decided to withdraw from the case, which was heard at the court on March 25.

The council took the gym to court to recover £97,000 in business rates they claimed the club owed.

However, the Swallow's refuted those claims and were going to fight it until their legal team advised them to back out of the court case because, even if they had won it, they believed the council would start the process again with other claims.

Mr Swallow said: "After 23 years at the dome in South Ruislip it was particularly sad for us to make this decision. However, creating a centre of excellence and a school to teach young people gymnastics is not about buildings, it is about the people in them.

"Tania and I along with supporters and friends of the School will now look with renewed vigour to find a new home for the School in order to continue 30 years of providing excellence in sport, passing on a love for gymnastics and encouraging an enjoyment in exercise and recreation to the local community in Hillingdon."

A statement from the council, said: "During the 23 years that the building has been occupied the Swallows have not paid any rent and have allowed the building to become dilapidated.

"Swallows claimed they were a charity and therefore did not have to pay business rates. A routine audit found that this was not the case and accordingly costs amounting to £97,000, which is of course public money, was due for payment."

The official receiver was given full responsibility for the affairs of the gym and the council will be dealing with the lease of the premises once they have carried out a full assessment.

The Sports Council are trying to help find a new home for the gym, which was set up 34 years ago, and the issue has also been brought to the attention of Mayor of London, Boris Johnson.

About 2,000 people use the club every week and it was also selected as a training centre for the London 2012 Olympics.

To help with the search for a new home call Mike Swallow on 07956 561737 or email taniamike@twoswallows.fsnet.co.uk.