Campaigners fighting to save Grove Park Youth Club from demolition have started a petition.

The petition, addressed to Clive Efford MP, has almost 1000 signatures from supporters to prevent the demolition of the building, in Marvels Lane, which has been closed since Lewisham Council withdrew funding in 2013.

Supporters say the area needs youth services to prevent young people falling through the gaps.

The petition states: "Our aim is reopen it and make it a thriving self-sufficient community hub.

"As local residents of Grove Park we would like to see it put to youth and wider public use for all."

The youth club originally opened in the 1960s and campaigners have been working to revert it back to its original use rather than demolish it entirely.

The dispute started after the original closure of the club and this is the second petition against the demolition.

One person who signed the petition wrote: "It is a fine building and there is a great need for a youth club and community hub for all.

"As a parent myself, I feel Grove Park youth should not be neglected.

"The wider community has expressed their desire to save and reopen this facility."

Another supporter wrote: "It is absolutely essential that we provide places in the community for the community to meet in, especially the young as they so often don't have anywhere to go.

"A youth club can make a real difference in a young person’s life and it is about time we cared about them more.

"Save Grove Park Youth Club to help save our communities."

Someone else added: "My best friend’s daughter was a regular visitor to the place.

"My friend is a single mum, with no family around her in London this was a god send.

"Children are safer with somewhere to go off the street corners."

Last year Chairman of the Grove Park Neighbourhood Forum Stephen Kenny told News Shopper: "Demolishing a purpose-built youth club makes no sense while there is always demand for activities for young people. 

"Grove Park has suffered a disproportionate amount of cuts, the youth clubs has been closed, we have lost a large number of adult education classes, the library has been downgraded, the under fives was closed and is now run by the community. 
 
"A possible sensible alternative would be to make a community asset transfer of the youth club so that local residents can take it over."

A Lewisham Council spokeswoman said: “The youth club that was based in the building closed over three years ago and we have ensured there is still a good range of regular term-time and holiday activities for young people in the area being provided by specialist youth and community organisations.

“We are currently looking at options for the redevelopment of the site which could include much needed housing, a community space and possibly a health centre and will work with the local community as plans progress.”