Claims that land in Whitfield could be used for a new leisure centre, Dover Athletic football ground and Lidl supermarket have been denied.

Dover District Council says there are no approved proposals but it has allocated land at the White Cliffs Business Park there for further development.

The claims come from Dover Leisure Centre campaigner Peter Ward, who says he was told these plans have already been drafted by the council.

He said: “It’s all looking decided already for the centre and football ground. I guess DDC do not care about people of central Dover.

“I would personally prefer the leisure centre to be central but others may prefer it in Whitfield. I think they should consider having two facilities rather than completely getting rid of one -–but it’s all down to money.

“Dover’s moving away from Dover. At the moment there seems to be more in Whitfield. There are more shops there than in the town centre.”

Mr Ward said he believes it could take five years of sourcing funding, designing and building before the football ground, leisure centre and supermarket are up and running.

He is concerned this means Dover Leisure Centre in Townwall Street may be left in a state of disrepair during that time.

“Dover’s moving away from Dover. At the moment there seems to be more in Whitfield. There are more shops there than in the town centre...” - Peter Ward

Mr Ward claims that if the centre is set for demolition it would mean no funding would be allocated to fix it in the short term.

His petition calling for a public meeting on the issue, which has now gained more than 300 signatures, will be handed to Dover District Council leader Paul Watkins on August 26.

Mr Ward will ask the leader for a public meeting.

A spokesman for DDC said: “As regards to the future of Dover Leisure Centre, a major study is underway to look at the provision of indoor leisure facilities across the district, including a specific review of options for the future of Dover Leisure Centre.

This will look at options to reconstruct or replace the leisure centre, either on the current site or at an alternative site elsewhere within the Dover urban area.”

The study is due to be completed in the autumn.

Previously, the Mercury reported that Dover Athletic chairman Jim Parmenter denied claims that the club had plans to move its football club to Whitfield from River. The chairman said it was an option but added: “We have just spent £100,000 at Crabble so we’re not likely to move in the future.”

To sign the petition find Dover Leisure Centre Petition on Facebook and follow the link to Change.org