Burton Stone Lane Community Centre

York Coronary Support Group is spearheading a campaign to persuade City of York Council to continue to fund the Burton Stone Lane Community Centre.

Today a petition will be handed to Cllr Helen Douglas, the councillor for the Clifton ward, at a coffee morning to be held at the community centre.

The group said it has provided fitness exercise classes for three days a week at the Burton Stone Lane community centre for the past 24 years but has been told plans to change its use will mean its work can no longer continue.

It costs some £44,000 a year to keep the centre going in its present set up, it is understood.

Brian Johnson, a spokesman for the York Coronary Support Group, said: "We were told if we could get a thousand signatures, it would go to a full council meeting.

"We have the support of 'heart tsar', Sir Roger Boyle and of York Hospital who have said how valuable our work is."

People attend the exercise classes after being encouraged by the hospital rehabilitation team after completing a six-week course with them. The group use the gym at the centre alongside people with lung problems, spondylitis and back and kidney problems.

It has previously been stated that the council was proposing to use the centre for daytime activities for adults with learning disabilities from the local area and across the city.

Andy Laslett, City of York Council’s strategic services manager, said the council had already received a petition about the matter. He said: “A public meeting was held on Thursday to consider the first petition submitted about the future of York Coronary Support Trust sessions at Burton Stone Community Centre.

"Subject to Cabinet approving the report on 16 December 2014 and a report from the council’s Health and Wellbeing team, discussions will begin with the centre’s new operator and York Coronary Support Trust. These will determine whether their needs can still be appropriately met at Burton Stone Community Centre and, if not, a suitable alternative venue will be researched immediately.

"When the second petition is submitted to the council, it will be considered in line with the usual process. To help ensure Burton Stone Lane Community Centre continues for use for all, it needs an income to cover its costs. There will be no changes for a further nine or so months.”