A growing campaign to save Plymouth’s only roped climbing wall has gathered more than 1,100 signatures after plans emerged to close the facility at Plymouth Life Centre.
An official e-petition launched through Plymouth City Council is calling on the authority to halt the proposed closure of the Plymouth Life Centre climbing wall and protect what campaigners describe as a “vital community sporting facility”.
The petition, started by Ellie Moyse, argues the climbing wall plays a key role in supporting physical and mental wellbeing for residents across Plymouth, Devon and Cornwall.
Campaigners say the wall, which opened in 2012, is the only roped climbing facility in Plymouth and provides a well-equipped and accessible venue within walking distance of the city centre and the University of Plymouth.
The petition states: “The closure of this climbing wall would not only diminish community health and fitness options but also deprive many residents, especially youth, of a safe and supportive environment where they can engage in positive activities.”
It adds that climbing “has been proven to improve both mental and physical health”.
Supporters have also highlighted the wall’s role in hosting competitions and developing young talent since climbing became an Olympic sport.
The petition says removing the facility could affect opportunities for future athletes and reduce economic activity linked to visiting events and competitions.
Campaigners also raised concerns about the impact on schools and children, saying the centre works closely with local schools to introduce pupils to climbing through structured sessions and courses.
According to the petition, many children would lose the opportunity to try climbing in a supervised environment if the wall closes because there are no comparable alternatives in the immediate Plymouth area.
The petition states the nearest alternative climbing centre is more than 20 miles away and would involve a round trip of more than an hour by car, with limited public transport available.
Rebecca Smith, MP for South West Devon, said she had been contacted by residents, families and members of the climbing community following concerns over the future of the wall.
In a social media post, Rebecca said: “While community-led petitions have already received significant support, Plymouth City Council will only formally recognise petitions submitted through its own system.”
She added that residents had highlighted the difference between the Life Centre climbing wall and other facilities in the region.
Rebecca said: “Many people have also pointed out that the Life Centre wall is not directly comparable to facilities such as Clip ‘n Climb or The Hangar because the Life Centre offers the largest wall in the South West, is used locally by schools for students studying their GCSEs and the team there are trained to offer SEN sessions as well.”
The Plymouth City Council e-petition opened on Tuesday, May 19 and runs until Tuesday, June 23. At the time of writing, 1,146 people had signed the petition.
