Users of Harrow Arts Centre have handed in a petition of more than 5,000 signatures to save the site from closure.

Members of the Harrow University of the Third Age (U3A) launched the campaign two months ago after Harrow Borough Council announced it might have to close the centre to cut costs .

The council says it will have to cut £25million in next year’s budget and a total of £75million over the next three years.

U3A uses the centre in Uxbridge Road, Hatch End, for classes and other activities.

In a statement the group said: “Harrow U3A is particularly concerned about the future of Harrow Arts Centre as we use if constantly for our classes.

“We are also seriously worried that the only community centre in the borough of Harrow, used by groups of many ethnicities, could be under threat of closure.

“We could well rename the arts centre as the ‘Community Centre’ as so many activities take place there, from adult studies to ballet and yoga, from toddler groups to religious celebrations, and it is the only entertainment venue in the borough.”

Members of the group also point out the U3A is totally self-funded and provides mental, social and physical simulation recommended by doctors and therefore greatly reduces the council’s costs in other areas.

Another petition from the Hatch End Residents Association has collected more than 4,000 signatures against the centre’s closure.

Leader of the Conservative group and Hatch End councillor Susan Hall is supporting U3A’s campaign.

She said: “The response to the proposal to close the Arts Centre has been extraordinary, with nearly 10,000 people signing petitions against it and I suspect many more completing the consultation.

“And their message to the Council’s Labour administration is loud and clear – ‘do not close our arts centre’.

“It is a cornerstone of our cultural life in Harrow, used by scores of organisations like Harrow U3A, community groups as well as performers, artists and students.

“Nearly 200,000 people visited this wonderful facility last year; it must absolutely not be closed, and my sincere hope is that Labour listen to what Harrow residents are telling them.”

Sue Anderson, cabinet member for community and culture, said: “We are really pleased to find that there is lots of support for the Arts Centre in the community. This shows that people really value art and culture in Harrow.

“Despite the £75m of cuts being imposed on Harrow Council, and our residents, by Central Government I am hopeful that we will be able to find a way to secure the Arts Centre’s future.”

Harrow Council’s consultation on the proposed budget cuts is due to close on Saturday November 8, at 5pm.

Those interested in finding a full list of services which could be affected by the budget changes and take part in the consultation can do so here.