London used to be a series of villages and some areas still have that feel and identity: Fulham still has some character and Sands End has that community feel despite the gentrification of parts of Fulham or little Chelsea as it is now known. The Sands End Community Centre, tucked away in the back streets, is well used by those who know it and those who need its facilities. An affordable gym, table tennis, badminton, a small library which runs reading/story telling sessions for local children, with computers and a place for pensioners to read the daily papers. There's a crèche, dance & fitness studios and craft workshops - a jewellery and stained glass studio and a well equipped pottery - Fulham used to be famous for its pottery (an old bottle kiln is preserved at the bottom of the New Kings Road). Age Well, NHS Rehab, Sure Start and sports sessions for the disabled are run here. In proposing to close the library - on the grounds that few books are borrowed - the council is ignoring the broad use that is made of it by local people during the day and evening. Everyone is welcome at the Centre and people of all ages, cultures and means can mix together here; and for some less mobile or lonely people it is a lifeline. The community centre is within walking distance for all its many users. The centralisation of library facilities would mean a journey of more than a mile for local people on Fulham's crowded roads. Public transport is slow and cars mean parking charges and add to the congestion. If the council sells the building to developers they will destroy a COMMUNITY centre. This campaign is working to build up Sands End Community Centre (which has been run down) and make it the social hub for the people who live nearby. David Cameron wants us to build a Big Society but our council is threatening to take away the very building which would enable us to to do that. By signing this petition you will be supporting our cause to save our local community facilities under one roof and build a better local neighbourhood. Please support us, sign our petition, and encourage others in the borough to do so too. Thank you.

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