A petition to save the iconic Fountain Studios in Wembley is well under way and has already seen massive support from locals.

getwestlondon reported last week that Fountain Studios, located in Wembley Park, is set to close after being in operation since the 1960's.

Avesco Group plc, which owns the iconic building, sold the premises after Fountain Television limited reported financial losses last year.

Reports suggest that the building will be demolished to make way for housing as it has been sold to local property developer Quintain.

The historic TV studio has been used countless times over the years, most notably for ITV productions such as Britain's Got Talent and X Factor.

Opportunity Knocks was also recorded at Fountain Studios, which set the template for modern reality TV shows today.

The closure of the TV studio will mean a significant loss of jobs. One employee, who wishes not to be named, said that hundreds of freelancers, technicians, production staff, wardrobe, SFX, makeup and Scenery & props staff work on shows at Fountain Studios.

'Produced some fantastic shows'

A petition was set up in order to campaign against the closure, and for the building to become listed.

The petition, hosted on ipetition.com, explains: “Apply for listed and protected status for a building that has existed for over 50 years as a home of independent television production in London.”

Over 300 people have so far signed the petition since it launched on January 13, with a goal of 1,000 signatures needed.

Vocal petitioners have let their voice be heard on the campaign, with one person saying: “Don't destroy the British film industry. Great films have yet to be made and the studios have a long running history.”

Another petitioner said: “Fountain studios over the years have produced some fantastic shows. This has been appreciated nationwide with numerous now household names having started their careers there.

“Their talent has been nurtured at Fountain with the help of a fantastic back up team employed at the studios.

“It would be a travesty if the ability to do this is lost. There are some properties which deserve saving especially if not making a loss. If not broken, why try to fix it????”

If you would like to show your support for Fountain Studios, visit the petition on the ipetition.com website.