A petition calling for a public meeting on the future of Dover Leisure Centre has now been signed by more than 450 people.

Peter Ward, 37, of Balfour Road, started the campaign calling on leader of Dover District Council, Paul Watkins and chief executive Nadeem Aziz to keep members up to date on possible plans for a new centre.

This comes after Mr Ward raised concerns about the condition of the “rotten” leisure centre in Townwall Street in the Mercury last year.

Mr Ward’s online petition now has 306 supporters.

He said: “Please carry on sharing and signing. I want the biggest impact when I hand it into DDC.”

Since last week he has also distributed paper copies to a number of shops in Dover which has gained 150 signatures in just a few days.

These include Wize Buyz, 33 London Road, The Mean Bean, 80-81 Biggin Street, Brunch, 22 Biggin Street, Mobile Phone Mechanic, 58 Biggin Street, and Xpress Games, 37 Biggin Street.

“The facilities are old, dated and not up to the standard that you would expect in the 21st century." - Trudy Owen.

In a week’s time he will submit the petition to the council.

Those who signed the online petition gave their views on why they felt the need to support it.

Susan Richards from Dover said: “I’m signing as I use the pool for three young grandsons and the changing rooms are disgusting, also staff and visitors have to put up with humidity as no air conditioning.”

Trudy Owen, also from Dover, said: “The facilities are old, dated and not up to the standard that you would expect in the 21st century.

“It needs knocking down, being rebuilt with better and more facilities, then it will be used more. Dover as a whole is being let down by the council, being left to rot when all surrounding towns are being upgraded.”

A strategic review is set to take place this summer and will be completed by the autumn when a decision will be made on whether the leisure centre shall remain where it is or be relocated.

Members would like to be involved in this process and for improvements to be made in the meantime.

To sign the petition visit http://tinyurl.com/q5wcm3t