AN ONLINE petition to save the Hengistbury Head Outdoor Centre has closed with 2,152 signatures.

The high levels of support ensured it became one of the top 50 most popular petitions on the Office of the Prime Minister’s website.

Petition organiser Christine Drummond, of Kings Park Road, Bournemouth, said: “This shows there is huge support from local people to keep the centre open for the benefit of the community.

“The council are intent on closing the centre at the end of August against the will of council taxpayers and despite bookings having been taken for the autumn.

“How can closing the centre until next Easter be of benefit to anybody? The council say they have to be fair to all parties interested in bidding to run the centre but if it is closed, there will be no continuity for schools, skilled and valued instructors will be lost, there will be a cost in securing the building and everybody loses.”

The council recently confirmed it had sent out 31 tender documents to companies interested in running the centre.

These need to be returned by July 24, when a shortlist will be drawn up and invited to make their case before a council panel.

The council is sticking to its decision to close the centre at the end of August to ensure the process is fair and open-handed with all bidders.

Cllr John Beesley, deputy leader of the council, said: “We hope that a number of viable solutions will emerge, so that the council will be able to select the one that best serves the long-term needs of the people of Bournemouth.”