A PETITION against the decision to remove an exercise frame from Boscombe beach has had more than 1,000 signatures.

The petition was set up after Kevin Hubble, the owner of Three Sixty Fitness, was told he had to remove his TRX frame from the beach as his second six month trial contract would not be renewed, despite him being told a three year tender agreement would be drawn up.

It has been signed by 1,161 people, as of 5pm on Wednesday, March 15.

As reported in the Daily Echo, Mr Hubble said he felt let down by BCP Council, who said “future operations are being evaluated” for the site.

Bournemouth Echo:

Tony Hughes set up the petition having used the frame since it was put on the beach.

He said he can’t understand the point in removing it.

“It’s an absolute travesty that they want to remove it, it makes utterly no sense. It's taking up less than 3m by 1m of space, it’s just ridiculous.” Mr Hughes said.

“Community matters to the area. Nobody’s vandalised that frame, interestingly, nobody’s tried to spray paint it or rip it down, or destruct it, because they know the value of it to the community.

“That says more than anything really, it’s a valued asset that’s provided by a local entrepreneur rather than a council asset that’s just vandalised and left for waste. It just tells its own story.”

Bournemouth Echo:

Mr Hughes said being able to get out onto the beach in the morning, exercise and see the sun rise had helped his mental and physical health, and had helped him through some tough times.

“I feel really passionate about it, because it changed my life. If it only achieved that, then it’s worth it being there, isn’t it? If it changes someone else’s life, then even better.

“I’d like somebody to come down and explain their decision, because I’ll chain myself to that rather than let them remove it.”

Mr Hughes highlighted the work Mr Hubble does in the community, including his work with the Sea Shepherds, organising beach cleans.

Mr Hubble said the response to his situation has been “humbling”.

“There are no words. I feel so humbled and honoured that people are giving me so much support and trying to keep this community together,” he said.

“This is what community is about.”

The petition can be found here.