For over 50 years, the Yeovil Olympiads Athletic Club has called the Bill Whistlecroft Athletics Arena at Yeovil Rec home. This facility, along with other sports and leisure amenities at the Yeovil Recreation Centre, are under threat due to a proposed closure by Somerset Council, to save costs. These facilities are not just local assets; they hold regional importance across the South West as they represent the only public facility of its kind and quality in Somerset.

The impact of this closure would be far-reaching. The Yeovil Olympiads would lose their base, local schools that utilise these facilities for physical education and sports events would be left without an alternative, other athletics clubs who depend on these amenities would be displaced, and County, Regional and National level competitions hosted here would need to find new venues.

Yeovil Recreation centre has also been home to Yeovil and Sherborne Hockey Club for more than 10 years. The hockey club have over 300 senior and junior members who train and play at the Rec every week. Both the athletics and hockey clubs have invested significant time and money into the facilities for their members and wider community.

The significance of these facilities extends beyond sport - they foster community spirit, promote physical health among locals of all ages and contribute to our regional identity. We must ensure that future generations have access to these invaluable resources.

We urge Somerset Council to reconsider their proposal to close down such a vital part of our community's life. Let us preserve our sporting heritage for current users and future generations alike. Please sign this petition if you believe in protecting public sports facilities like those at Yeovil Recreation Centre from closure.