A PETITION to protect a Forest leisure centre from closing to the public is gathering pace.

Campaigners against the potential closure to the public at Cinderford Leisure Centre have started a petition which they say doesn’t just affect the pool but also the astro turf football pitch at the back of Forest High School.

Tasha Murphy contacted the Review in the hope more people will sign the petition which so far has almost 1,000 signatures.

She said: "Please help us to make more people aware. All help is needed as this does not just affect the pool – it also affects the astro turf."

The Review reported last week how the building’s owners, South Gloucestershire and Stroud College (SGS), which are sponsors of Forest High School, and the Forest Council are struggling to reach a deal on the future of the leisure centre after SGS announced its termination of the joint use agreement from the end of May.

The petition asks for Forest MP Mark Harper and the council to keep Cinderford Leisure Centre and the swimming pool open for the future benefit of the community.

To sign the petition visit you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/save-cinderford-leisure-centre-1