Campaigners fight to keep popular sports hall open

The Folkestone site has a range of facilities including swimming pools and dance studios

An online petition set up to save a sports centre in Kent has received thousands of signatures within days of starting.

Folkestone Sports Centre Trust told users on Tuesday it was closing its doors as the charity could "no longer afford to remain operational".

An online petition set up to save the centre has now gained more than 5,000 backers.

Petition starter Imogen Howes said: "The centre is such a big hub for the area and it is devastating that it is going to close."

Folkestone Swimming Club, which used the site, said the centre's trust had already ceased trading.

The trust has been contacted for a comment.

Swimming club chair Ian Howes said when he first heard the news he felt "horror" at thought of trying to keep the group going.

Andrejs Delmans says his family is going to miss the centre

In the online petition, Ms Howes, who is the club chair's daughter, said the closure impacted the whole community and was a "big loss" for local swimmers.

"The centre is a place where people make friendships and learn vital skills that will be needed later on in life."

Ms Howes said the closure could be a "massive loss" for the local economy.

'Next steps'

Resident Andrejs Delmans said: "We are going to miss it a lot.

"My elder son used to take two classes there, swimming and gymnastics.

"I know it costs something to run and I hope it gets sorted out."

The centre's trustees said an independent administrator would be appointed.

Folkestone District Council said: "Our thoughts are with the centre staff who face uncertainty over their jobs.

"Council staff will be offering welfare advice and signposting to relevant sources of help for those who need support.

"The closure is also hugely disappointing for residents who are losing their local facilities at the beginning of the school summer holiday.

"The council will be working with the administrator and with the landowner, the Radnor Estate, as they decide the next steps to be taken."