A PETITION calling for a halt to the removal of sports facilities from Fort Regent is to receive a ministerial response after it gathered more than 1,700 signatures.
The government has said that the Fort needs too much renovation work to remain a leisure centre, and aims to rehome all but five of the organisations based there by next year to Oakfield and Springfield sport centres.
In response, new campaign group Friends of Fort Regent Group lodged a petition, which asks politicians to review a decision made last year that would see sports clubs moved out of the repurposed fortification.
The group has ‘strongly urged’ States Members to ‘consider the immense value that these facilities bring to the local community and keep the sports facilities open’.
As their petition has surpassed 1,000 signatures, ministers must make a formal response.
If more than 5,000 people sign it, the petition will be considered for a States debate.
Roger Barons, one of the leaders of the campaign, said: ‘We’re blown away by the outpouring of support for Fort Regent’s sports complex.
‘It’s clear that this facility means a lot to a lot of people, and we’re hopeful that local leaders will take notice of the community’s desire to preserve it as a dedicated sport, fitness and community centre.’
Assistant Economic Development Minister Lucy Stephenson, who holds political responsibility for sport, was due to meet representatives of the group today.
