A campaign to protect Tooting Bec Athletics Track has been launched after the council revealed it was considering pulling its funding.

Wandsworth Council claims it is safeguarding the track, but angry campaigners say it is just another cut to a vital service.

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On November 27, councillors are expected to consider seeking proposals from sports clubs, voluntary groups, charities and individuals to take over running the site.

The council said it wants to retain the track, gym and field facilities as a public sports venue and is trying to secure its future, but campaigners say the move is the first sign of proposed cuts, which were recently leaked to this newspaper, coming to fruition.

Tooting MP Sadiq Khan and residents have launched a campaign called Keep the Track Running and emassed more than 2,000 signatures of support.

Mr Khan said: "It looks like our worst fears have been realised.

"Just as the leaked document suggested, the Wandsworth Tories do intend to cut funding for the athletics track. And still the cloak and daggers act continues, as they try to mask funding cuts, as a bid to save it.

"I have serious concerns these proposals to hand over the running of the track could see it fall into the hands of a private company, and many local people and organisations priced out of using the facilities."

TV and radio presenter Nicky Campbell and Olympic athlete Jade Johnson are among those to join the campaign to save the track.

Steve Bosley, club secretary for the Herne Hill Harriers, who have used the track since the 1930s, said: "We have grown the track to be a centre of the local community putting on holiday programmes, sports relief miles which raised £17,500, open days as well as school sports days and to lose the track would be a loss for everyone."

The Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Tooting, Dan Watkins, is also campaigning for the track to remain open and is exploring community bids which could step in to ensure the track stays open and affordable.

Informal discussions have already been held with staff at the track and they may also be able to put forward their own proposals to take over its management.

The council said it has seen a reduction in the grant it gets from Government and over the next two years, needs to save £50m on top of the £80m saved since 2010.

The track costs taxpayers more than £100,000 a year and is of Olympic standard.

Sport England, the London Marathon Trust and Wandsworth Council recently invested £150,000 in upgrading the running track, a new fitness studio and a new hammer cage.

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Councillor Jonathan Cook, community services spokesman, said: "Our efforts are being directed towards keeping the athletics track open and ensuring it continues to play a really prominent role in sports and fitness and in the health and wellbeing of the borough.

"We believe this approach offers the best hope of retaining this popular and well-used athletics track and if this idea is supported at next month’s committee then we will be able to begin our search in earnest for a suitable partner."