A petition launched to find space for equipment which is being used at a Sutton gym that will close in June has now reached more than 200 signatures.

Some members of the Sutton Centre for Independent Living and Learning (SCILL), in Robin Hood Lane, a facility which caters for people with disabilities, are already urging Sutton Council to find them a ‘like-for-like replacement’.

But a petition launched by Jacqui Barbet-Shields, 62, of Stayton Road, in March aims to keep the equipment for later use should the gym close for good.

On the campaign's page, Ruth Overton said: “Having seen the amazing work done at the SCILL gym, the dedication of the gym staff and unique place that it is, I believe many people will loose [sic] out if it closes.”

Angie Haji-Savva also said: “I’m signing this because it’s a well-established gym, offering aid to all types of disabilities. [There are] very friendly and caring instructors [and] everyone feels very comfortable whatever their disabilities are.

“It will be very sad to lose the gym in our community. Sutton Council should rethink on how we can carry on with our gym.”

Jane Welch added: “This is a much-needed facility, young people rely on places like this to help them physically and to meet friends.

"Please reconsider your options."

Ms Barbet-Shields runs a group at SCILL for people who have chronic pain, myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), and multiple sclerosis (MS) and believes the gym has a vital place.

A Sutton Council spokesman said, if appropriate, then ‘any new provider’ will be provided the equipment but said it is too early to comment since the options are still being worked through.

He added that the council is working together with Encompass LATC [Local Authority Trading Company] to ‘explore alternative provision’.

It follows after members Chris Christakis, 50, of Shorts Road, alongside Lynn Mitchel, 55, of Lancaster Way and Stuart Dagley, 36, of Rougemont Avenue urged both the council and Encompass to find service users a 'like-for-like replacement' last month.

To see the petition, click here.