Regular users of a “one-of-a-kind” leisure centre say they are “absolutely devastated” following its sudden closure.

More than 2,000 people have signed a petition calling on Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) to "save" Folkestone Sports Centre after the charity which runs it said it could "no longer afford to remain operational".

Trustees of Folkestone Sports Centre Trust released a statement yesterday saying the current "national and indeed worldwide situation" had seen a "dramatic increase" in its costs.

The centre, in Radnor Park Avenue, has been used by generations of residents and its closure has been described as a “massive loss for the community”.

The site features a 25-metre swimming pool, gym, cafe and even ski and toboggan slopes, but staff could already be seen removing equipment this lunchtime.

Claire Roberts, who lives in Hawkinge, uses the facility four to five times a week and says it has made her a “completely different person”.

“I’m absolutely devastated. There are no other places in the town like this,” the 50-year-old said.

“This is the only gym where I feel comfortable. I have tried other gyms and I hated them.

“I’ve got ADHD so when I first started coming here I was incredibly reserved. I would have my headphones on and not talk to anyone.

“But over the past year it has made me a completely different person. I now have many friends that I meet here.

“It is also an incredibly affordable facility. So many other gyms you just feel priced out.”

Since the announcement yesterday evening, the petition set up by resident Imogen Howes has received more than 2,000 signatures in less than 24 hours.

John Warner, 73, has been using the facility for 20 years and says it has been key for his rehabilitation for chronic pain.

“The facility is so important for many people with chronic pains and illnesses," he said.

“It's an alternative to going to your GP which is an absolute nightmare at the moment.

“Since they shut the gym at the hospital you get people coming here after hip and knee replacements or are dealing with joint pain and arthritis.

“It's going to put many people in a very awkward situation.”

It is understood staff were only informed of the sudden closure in an emergency meeting yesterday.

New Labour MP for Folkestone and Hythe, Tony Vaughan, says “there was no warning at all”.

“It's a massive shock to me as much as it is to everyone else that they have closed it,” he said.

“I'm trying to see what I can do to find other ways in which the centre can be run by other providers.

"But currently I have no information about the business reason why it went down and whether the reasons why it went down can be overcome by running the centre in a different way.

“I’m going to speak with the council today and find out more.

“I'm going to do everything that I can do to make sure that this opens again. People really need it.”

In a message posted on its website yesterday (Tuesday), the trustees thanked the centre’s management team staff, for their hard work and personal sacrifices.

An independent administrator will be appointed in coming days and no direct debit membership payments will be drawn on August 1, the trustees confirmed.

FHDC member Cllr Belinda Walker (Lab), who represents the Broadmead ward, says the centre provided something for “all age groups”.

“It had an ethos like nowhere else. It's for people who aren't particularly sporty,” she said.

“It created a better social life for so many in Folkestone.

“It was used by babies, toddlers, the elderly, disabled and so many more.

“This is going to be a great loss for many in our town.

In a statement, Green-led FHDC said it is "very sorry" the trust has had to call in administrators.

“This is going to be a great loss for many in our town…”

"The independently owned centre, like leisure operators across the country, has faced enormous financial pressures to build business back up after the pandemic alongside the significant increases in utility costs," it said.

"The council has provided long-standing support to the trust and in December 2022 councillors agreed to renew support for the centre with a three-year annual grant of £150,000 to deliver sports and leisure activities for the local community.

"Our thoughts are with the centre staff who face uncertainty over their jobs and council staff will be offering welfare advice and signposting to relevant sources of help for those who need support.

"The closure is also hugely disappointing for residents who are losing their local facilities at the beginning of the school summer holiday.

"The council will be working with the administrator and with the landowner, the Radnor Estate, as they decide the next steps to be taken."

Additional reporting by Louis Walker