THE York Coronary Support Group Trust has used the Burton Stone Lane Community centre for 24 years for exercise classes for heart patients.

The trust has been so greatly heartened by local support to keep the centre open that it is organising a petition to City of York Council to do just that, despite a previous decision not to continue to fund it.

We have found this is a unique, much-loved asset and people are appalled by the prospect of its closure next spring.

The council will be hearing from Dr Megarry, cardiac consultant responsible for rehabilitation at York Hospital, and Professor Sir Roger Boyle, the former heart tsar, about how valuable an asset it is.

Our petition has attracted more than 700 signatures in the past few days. We are confident that we will achieve and exceed the 1,000 needed to call this plan in for further council decision.

If you wish to support us contact your local councillor.

Eileen Johnson, Chairman, York Coronary Support Group Trust.