For the past decade, I have had the immense pleasure and responsibility of running the cafés inside our cherished local leisure centres located in Putney, Tooting, and Latchmere. In that time, I have not only served coffee and food to countless members, families, customers, and visitors but have also consistently strived to create and maintain a welcoming atmosphere where friends can gather before or after their activities. It has been a joy to witness the sense of community that flourishes in these spaces.

Despite our success and the valuable service we provide, Places Leisure has recently announced a so-called 'review' of my tenancy. This review is coupled with the disheartening threat of closing all our local cafés under the guise of refurbishment, only to replace them with a big chain company like Costa Coffee and vending machines. This action not only threatens my livelihood and the hard work I've invested over the years but also risks dismantling the unique community spirit we've built together.

This move by Places Leisure follows a series of questionable actions on their part, which have already placed me in severe financial difficulty. Despite reaching out to them for assistance, they have turned a blind eye to these issues, ignoring the impact on local businesses and the community they claim to support.

The proposal to replace our unique cafés with corporate vending machines and chain stores is not simply a business decision; it's a step towards erasing the distinct character and personal touch that make our leisure centres special. Our customers deserve more than just convenience; they deserve the warmth, familiarity, and personal interaction that only a community-run café can provide.

We need to stand together to protect our local businesses from being pushed aside by large corporations. Local cafés like ours contribute significantly to the community's well-being by supporting local suppliers and creating jobs. It's about preserving a way of life and ensuring that community hubs remain inclusive and supportive spaces.

Please join us in our fight to save our local leisure centre cafés by signing this petition. Your support will help us make it clear to Places Leisure that these spaces are more than just cafés — they are community cornerstones that deserve to be preserved for future generations.