A PETITION has been launched in an effort to save a popular Worcestershire County Council-owned outdoor education centre in Snowdonia.

The online petition was launched following last week’s announcement that Llanrug outdoor education centre (LOEC) – which is used by about 1,500 children and young people every year – is set to close after a deal to hand over management to a private firm fell through.

Although the council had hoped to hand over the running of the facility, which has been losing the authority money for several years, to outdoor education company Rock UK, talks fell through after an agreement could not be reached about pension arrangements for its 11 staff.

The anonymous creator of the petition at ipetitions.com said the centre provides “limitless benefits” to visitors.

“As someone who has a passion for the outdoors and has experienced a number of activity weeks with a Worcestershire school, I cannot express how strong my feelings are for this matter in words,” they wrote. “The week is the highlight of the year for many children in Worcestershire; this is proved by the number of returning year upon year.”

The petition has 40 signatures out of a target of 100, and a number of comments throwing support behind the centre.

Izzie Taylor-Hall said: “I went on the Llanrug trip two years in a row and had the time of my life. I was desperately looking forward to visiting again next year as it is one of my favourite places to go. I would be so disappointed if it closed,” and Kate Bastable said: “The children who attend Llanrug get such a boost from the trip.”

A Worcestershire County Council spokesman said: “The county council is always open to receive the views of residents and will consider the request based on its merits. We are unable to say whether or not this petition will be successful.”