Tooting Bec Athletics Track will stay open after a long-running campaign by residents to save it.
Tooting MP Sadiq Khan launched a campaign back in October after plans revealed Wandsworth Conservative Group had targeted the track as one of a selection of potential closures.
A petition, which garnered support from radio presenter Nicky Campbell, and former Olympic long jumper Jade Johnson, received thousands of signatures to ‘keep the track running’ while also demanding costs stay affordable.
CAMPAIGNING: Mr Khan with residents back in November
Mr Khan said: “Our campaign to protect Tooting Bec Athletics Track has come a long way!
“Five months ago we didn’t know if we would still have a track this year, and now people power has meant that, as well as reassuring the track will remain open, the council have made an outright commitment to keep it affordable.
“There is no doubt about it, the Keep the Track Running campaign put the spotlight on the council’s actions, and prevented them from quietly cutting funding for the track behind closed doors.
“Our campaign sent the message loud and clear that the track needs to remain accessible and affordable and has forced the council to protect it.”
The council have promised that costs will remain affordable, regardless of who runs it.
Mr Khan added: “This is a huge success for our campaign, and along with local residents I welcome this commitment from the council.”
