THOUSANDS of residents have rallied to save Yeovil recreation centre's sports and leisure facilities, following a proposed closure by Somerset Council.

In just three days since launching, over 10,000 people have signed the Change.org petition to keep the Bill Whistlecroft Athletics Arena at Yeovil Rec open.

The facility has been open for 50 years.

Petition starter Geoff Cole said: “The impact of this closure would be far-reaching.

“The Yeovil Olympiads would lose their base, local schools that utilise these facilities for physical education and sports events would be left without an alternative, other athletics clubs who depend on these amenities would be displaced, and County, Regional and National level competitions hosted here would need to find new venues."

Mr Cole is urging Somerset Council to reconsider their proposal and preserve the local sporting heritage.

The Somerset Council’s list of savings proposals explained “the closure of managed sport and leisure facilities at Yeovil Recreation Centre including most outdoor sports facilities and the leisure facilities in the Jon O'Donnell Pavilion building.

“Green spaces on site, the tennis courts, children's play area, and multi-use games area are proposed to remain open to the public.

“The cafe on site is not included in this proposal and is being considered separately.”

The petition can be found at this link.

The council is looking to set a balanced budget by saving on several services which could also include the closure of some libraries, increased car parking charges, turning off CCTV cameras, and laying off large numbers of its staff.

Public meetings

All meetings are public, and residents are encouraged to attend.

• 15 January. Meeting of Executive Committee will discuss Budget Update report, including savings proposed approach to bridging the funding gap.

• 22 January. Budget consultation closes (that’s our online consultation Have your say on council budget setting (somerset.gov.uk) ) • 25 January. Audit Committee to discuss technical budget papers.

• 1 February. Meeting of the Corporate and Resources Scrutiny Committee. Due to discuss Budget Update report, including savings proposals.

• 7 February. Meeting of Executive Committee to consider feedback from Scrutiny Committee and results of budget consultation before recommending a budget for decision at full council.

20 February. The full council meets to agree on a final budget for 2024/25.