A petition over one of the biggest schemes in Romsey's history has gained more than 1,000 signatures. 

Hilary Philbin's campaign is calling for civic chiefs to keep the Crosfield Hall in its current location. 

The issue has been hugely controversial with the recent announcement of the next round of consultation launching this summer. A new Citizens' Assembly will be held in June and July, five years on from the previous one. This will give residents the chance to have their say on the hall's future. 

The petition was launched on February 16 in an online form and paper copies at six Romsey businesses.

Daily Echo: Keith Lawrenson and Hilary Philbin outside Crosfield Hall with the petition

Since then, another eight businesses have agreed to have paper copies. 

By Wednesday, March 13 166 people had signed the online petition with Mrs Philbin estimating that more than 1,000 people had signed the paper copies with more than 250 collected elsewhere.

Fran Dovey, from The Green Room in Latimer Walk, said that she has never known people to be so keen to sign a petition. 

Mrs Philbin said: “I’m pleased that so many Romsey businesses are keen to show their support. It demonstrates the community spirit that is so strong in Romsey, as well as an awareness of the importance of maintaining town centre facilities such as Crosfield Hall.”

The petition will remain open until April 2.