More than 70 protesters gathered outside Willenhall Leisure Centre as the battle to save it from closure was stepped up.

Campaigners have collected more than 2,000 signatures on a petition against Walsall Council’s plans to axe the Bath Street centre.

Finance chiefs say the draft proposals will save the cash-strapped authority £11.2 million in 2010 to 2011.

On Saturday, families gathered outside the leisure centre waving placards and banners calling for the centre to remain in the town. Hundreds use it for swimming, sports, tea dances and other recreational activities.

Campaigner organiser Diane Coughlan said: “People in Willenhall are up in arms over this and we are not going to just accept it and take it lying down.

“It’s not just about the swimming, but there are a number of other well used activities held here, such as the tea dances, gymnastics and the badminton club and the keep fit classes.”

Noel Winter, facilities director at the national Amateur Swimming Association, has also backed the fight.

“I would like to offer the help of the association to keep the centre open,” he said.

“My job is to get more swimming pools open and keep them in good repair.”

Willenhall North MP David Winnick has also written to Walsall Council leader Mike Bird in protest against the plan.

“We must put up a fight against these council cuts,” he said. “It is a national policy to encourage children to swim.”