THE future of a popular Clevedon sports centre is the focus of a petition which has been set up amid rumours that it could close next year.

In less than two weeks, more than 450 people have clubbed together to sign the petition to keep open Swiss Valley Sports Centre based at Clevedon Community School, which is being reviewed along with all dual-use sports facilities in the district by North Somerset Council as part of a way of easing its "financial pressures".

A spokesman for the authority said: "We are working with the schools and governing bodies to look at different ways at managing the facilities in the most cost effective manner.

"But there are no plans to close the sports centre at Clevedon."

Sports centres such as Swiss Valley rely on subsidies from North Somerset Council and one way of reducing this subsidy according to a reliable source who does not want to be named, is for the school to take over the running of it.

But the Clevedon Mercury has also been told that it is only a small subsidy that the sports centres receive anyway, which makes the review "pointless" and that Clevedon Community School does not want to do take over the running – meaning there would be no option but to close it, leaving 12 staff without a job.

The petition was set up by Ian Findlay, who lives in Clevedon and has been using the sports facilities at the school for the past 12 years.

He said: "The sports hall is used seven days a week for squash, badminton, basketball, circuit training and five-a-side football.

"The changing facilities are also used by the local football teams for matches and training, along with the hockey teams and junior football.

"I have heard a strong rumour that the facilities may be closed by the council and so I decided to set the petition up to generate support to keep this facility open."

Ian has also contacted Sport England, a representative for which said they had not heard anything about its closure.

The Mercury has received several letters and emails from people who use Swiss Valley highlighting their concerns.

Ralph Sandoe, 62, who plays badminton on a weekly basis, said he was devastated to learn the sports centre was under threat.

He said: "Eight of us play badminton every Wednesday evening and have been doing so for the past five years.

"We have formed a small club and also play golf together.

"I have lived in Clevedon for 35 years and have been using the sports centre for various things for as long as I can remember as have my fellow players.

"If this and other facilities close it would make participating in sport and evening classes extremely difficult and would send out the wrong messages."

As well as the indoor facilities, which now includes a social meeting area, the outdoor football and rugby pitches are also heavily used.