Three petitions have been launched by campaigners who are worried about the future of Harrow's Arts Centre after Harrow Council announced it could be closed due to budget cuts.
Today (October 2), at Harrow Arts Centre in Uxbridge Road, Hatch End one of several drop in sessions was held to help locals get a better understanding of why the campus-which hosts dance classes, fitness lessons and productions there- could close due to budget cuts.
So far three petitions have been launched to help keep the campus open, the Hatch End Association, Hatch End ward Councillor and leader of the Conservative, Susan Hall has set on up and U3A group who use the centre.
Hatch End Association set one up and has so far secured approximately 1,000 signatures, Anne Swinson, co-chair of the Association said: "We are encouraging people to write letters to the council as well as signing out petition. We are worried about the future of the centre, they can't pull it down because it is a grade II listed building and the other buildings surrounding the main one are locally listed buildings.
"If would be such a shame if it were to close, children and families would miss out of classes and events, the have all sorts here, they have ethnic dancing and a play school, it's got great travel links people can come here and do lots of things."
Mrs Swinson was an original team member who campaigned in the late 1980's for the centre to be moved from Harrow Weald to its current campus in Hatch End, which used to be the College of Further Education.
The possibility of the arts centre closing is part of wider open proposals by Harrow Council who have to save £75 million in three years.
Other options for the first round of cuts published by Harrow Council also include the closure of Harrow Museum, switch off some street lights, reduce grass cutting in public spaces, close or reduce some of the council's early support services to families, including children's centres.
If the centre were to close, it could save Harrow Council £440,000 a year, and if Harrow Museum were to close, that could save the council £150,000 a year.
Wealdstone ward Councillor and portfolio holder for public health, equality and wellbeing, Anne Whitehead (Labour) said: "This is all about alerting the residents about these possible changes and options. I am against anything cultural closing, I would be very sad to see Harrow Arts Centre go, I used to have art classes here and my children had dance classes here, it hits home a bit for me.
"However I have to think about all of the residents and hear their views about the possibility of having their respite care cut or housing benefits. The council have to save a lot of money, £75 million over three years."
Other co-chair of the Hatch End Association, Julian Maw said: "We do not want to see Harrow Arts Centre go.
"I do not know how this place doesn't make a profit, there are full classes here from nine in the morning to nine at night. This place is part of the essence of Hatch End, it is so popular and used so much."
Portfolio holder for finance and major contracts, Councillor Sachin Shah (Labour) said: "These cuts are a direct result of unnecessary and reckless Tory government cuts to Harrow. We don't want to have to make these cuts, but the reality is the fault lies squarely at the doors of government.
"I understand the feelings of the petitioners and I hope they can join me on a campaign against government cuts to Harrow.
"No decisions have been made and I urge as many people to give us their views via our take part consultation. We welcome input from all of Harrow's residents."
