The change.org petition to save the Ardlui outdoor centre was set up after West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) announced plans to close it amid budget cuts.
The petition’s description calls the decision ‘short-sighted’, adding that the local authority has not seen the long-term benefits for children in the area.
The announcement last month was part of WDC’s toughest-ever budget – with cuts of £17 million made across the board. WDC has now announced the centre will be closed in June – saving £110,000.
The centre provides outdoor activities such as mountain biking, abseiling and canoeing to P6 and P7 pupils in West Dunbartonshire and is also used by local secondary schools.
The petition states: “The decision to close it is short-sighted and only has short term financial benefits for the education department. WDC fails to see the long term financial, social and health benefits for the children of West Dunbartonshire.
“The parents, teachers and club leaders and all other beneficiaries of the facility urge our councillors and council officers listen to the residents of this area and save our centre.
“In addition, the centre should remain under the control of WDC and its education employees.” The council revealed three and half staff jobs at the centre will be hit by the closure.
The local authority said the centre on the banks of Loch Lomond has been struggling financially ever since the WDC took over the lease in 2009, making a loss of £274,000 last year alone.
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