MORE than 10,000 people have signed a petition in a matter of days to save two outdoor education centres in Wiltshire.

Wiltshire Council announced that it would close the Braeside, in Devizes, and Oxenwood, near Marlborough, centres after a review it conducted said only 30 per cent of schools in the county use the facilities and emergency repair work to the sites would cost £1.4m

This has incensed much of the Wiltshire public, who have said the outdoor adventure centres are vital for the physical and mental development of children.

Min Griffiths, of Trowbridge, said: “It is sad people out there are not realising this is the only thing for the kids. We are going to end up with nothing. Too many back handers to certain council people, been going on years, it needs to stop.”

Westbury resident and former admin worker at Bitham Brook Primary said: “Absolutely disgraceful decision. For the last 17 years the school where I work have been sending young people to those centres to experience amazing opportunities. Shame on those councillors.”

Sharon Watters from Melksham said: “Gutted. I went here when I was at school. Was looking forward to my son going.”

Campaigners want the council to hold a consultation before making any further decisions.

Westbury resident Frankie Simpkins said: “This is very sad. I went as a year seven student and also as a sixth form helper so I could go again.”

Trowbridge resident, Carrie Woolley, said: “For some children this is the only holiday experience they have.”

Cllr Laura Mayes, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for children, said: “Budgets are tight and it’s important we spend our money wisely and fund those areas where it is most needed, including supporting our vulnerable children and investing in other education priorities.We can no longer meet the high costs of running outdoor education centres but I’m pleased there is already a wide range of facilities available.” which many of our schools already use.”

The centres will close in August.