1,600-plus signatures on petition to save West View Leisure Centre in Preston

Around 1,600 people have already signed the online petition, set up by Luke Parkinson of Walton le Dale.

West View’s operator GLL,which trades as Better, has said the leisure centre would remain closed for the foreseeable future.

It said the venue’s closure for more than four months during lockdown, coupled with the requirement to now operate at reduced capacity, had resulted in “a significant loss of revenue which was impossible to recoup.”

Mr Parkinson said on the petition’s page at change.org: “West View has been one of two leisure centres for decades and the success of Preston and district Swimming Club is testament to its worth.

“The potential full-time closure of this popular leisure and health facility is serious. Local swimmers and gym members have had great times and success here.”

Coun Peter Kelly, cabinet member for culture and leisure at Preston City Council, said: “Leisure centres provide communities with an important place to come together, to learn new skills, develop new passions and to keep fit and healthy.

“We remain in continued dialogue with GLL and we’re hopeful a solution can be found.”

Better has said that all members now have UK-wide access to its other centres.

Fulwood Leisure Centre has already reopened and offers gym, junior gym, fitness classes, swim for fitness and adult and child swimming.