Campaigners hoping to save a climbing wall are calling on Harrow Borough Council to delay plans to replace it with a squash court.

Earlier this year the authority awarded the contract to run its leisure facilities to operator Everyone Active, which will also be providing services to the neighbouring councils of Ealing and Brent.

The firm plans to replace the wall at Harrow Leisure Centre, the only one in the borough, but a petition with more than 550 signatures has been handed in calling for the authority to ask Everyone Active to stop the closure.

Damon Clark of Rock Frog, which operates the wall, said: “When we were told about it we were a bit baffled really.

“We get more people coming to use the wall each week than people who will come to use it a squash court.

“It would be such a shame for it to go. It is the only usable wall in Harrow and it’s an asset to the community.”

Councillor James Bond, who has been working to save the wall, said: “The decision to close down the Harrow climbing wall has been taken before any sincere and meaningful consultation could, if ever it was intended in the first place, could have been acted on, or responded to.

"This decision that appears to have been taken adds up to an appalling injustice.

"It is also wrong because it flies in the face of an equality of opportunity in the provision of sports for all sections of the community.

“There must be honest and transparent talks to ensure that the Harrow climbing wall has a long term future at the leisure centre, and significantly it stays at its current location.

“The alternative is to consign a popular minority sport to extinction within Harrow. That would not only be very sad, it would be an absolute disgrace.”

A spokeswoman for Everyone Active said: “We are working with Harrow Council to develop and improve facilities at Harrow Leisure Centre and will support any decision the Council makes regarding the facility mix at the Centre.

“Harrow Council is working with the climbing wall company to find a new location for an improved climbing facility in the leisure centre. 

“While this is going on, the Council is looking into alternative arrangements for climbers in the local area.”