A petition with more than 500 signatures could help force a public meeting on the future of Dover Leisure Centre.

Peter Ward, 37, of Balfour Road, handed his petition to council leader Paul Watkins last Wednesday.

He has now been invited to voice his concerns at a scrutiny meeting in the Whitfield offices on Tuesday, September 15, from 6pm.

Mr Ward said: “I was just expecting to hand over the petition but Paul and Tim Ingleton (head of inward investment at DDC), were very welcoming.

“They showed me what is happening in Dover with plans, it was quite interesting.”

Mr Ward thinks it is likely that the centre will move to Whitfield, although nothing has been decided.

“Looking at the bigger picture Whitfield will probably be where they (DDC) will build it,” he said.

“If it does go up there then there should be a new bus route going up that way.”

If this is the chosen option, Mr Ward predicted it would be at least five years before it was up and running.

He said: “Your Leisure will need to answer some questions on the current facility, it can’t stay that way. What will Your Leisure do to keep it running?”

The scrutiny committee will hear Mr Ward speak before discussing whether a public meeting will be held.

The dilapidated 1970s building in Townwall Street has been examined by the council throughout the summer.

A full review, complete with options on whether it should move or stay where it is, should be completed by the autumn.

It has also looked at what residents need from a leisure centre.

Mr Ward said that anyone willing to attend the scrutiny meeting should contact him through the Facebook page: Dover Leisure Centre Petition.