RESIDENTS are continuing to flock to add their support to the campaign to keep the George Carnall Leisure Centre open.

Nearly 800 people added their names to a petition aimed at saving the centre when campaigners manned a stall in Urmston town centre on Saturday.

That brings the total that have signed the petition to more than 3,900.

Petition organiser Mike Reavy said: "It is quite obvious that this campaign has really gripped the community.

"There now seems to be a common bond within the community to stand together and show what the centre means to us. we were offered nothing but encouragement to keep this campaign going until we convince Trafford Council that the right and proper thing is to reverse the decision to close the centre."

The Trafford Leisure Community Interest Company announced last autumn that the centre would be closed once an expansion of Urmston Leisure Centre had taken place and as part of a plan that will also see a £24 million investment into leisure provision across the borough.

At July's full council meeting, Cllr Laura Evans, a Conservative executive member, defended the move.

She said: “Trafford Leisure has no intention of closing George H Carnall until the completion and refurbishment of Urmston.

“All current users of George H Carnall will have fantastic options in the future.

“We want everyone in Trafford — including Urmston and Davyhulme — to have access to modern, fit-for-purpose facilities.”