AROUND 2,500 people have signed a petition to save a popular Worthing go kart attraction.

Worthing Borough Council is planning a transformation of Brooklands Park.

But it means Brooklands Go Karts will be booted out.

Owner Marc Flinders is devastated and says he is ‘absolutely gutted.’

He has now set up a petition.

He said: “I believe that we are an asset to the park and the news has come as a total surprise.

“The newly revealed Masterplan for Brooklands Park proposes to replace us with another car park. We cannot believe it.

“We have been a popular venue serving the local community since the 1960s providing families and a whole range of community groups with affordable leisure and exceptional customer service.

“We believe the recent public consultation on which the plans were based on failed to consult or consider the views of all those who have used and continue to access the services that Brooklands Go Karts offer.

“We are fully supportive of the intention to improve the park with innovative and fresh ideas but feel that excluding the Go Kart track would be a real loss to the community.

“Too many local businesses are being pushed out to make way for larger corporations.

“While innovation is great, you can’t recreate the charm and personality that comes from a locally owned business where the staff actually care about the community and where customers are welcomed like friends.

“There is no reason why Brooklands Go Karts shouldn’t be included as part of the new plan.”

A spokesman for Worthing Borough Council said; “We have produced a Masterplan for the transformation of the whole of Brooklands Park.

“We want to turn it into an exciting destination park for all of the family and, having listened to the views of hundreds of people during a consultation, believe we have come up with a fantastic plan to make this green space better than it’s ever been before.

“The initial response has been overwhelmingly positive.

“As part of the proposal, we have suggested that the lease for the Go Kart track is not renewed.

“It has been done to ensure that we can provide a range of brand new indoor leisure opportunities which are in keeping with our overall theme and can be enjoyed in all weathers by as many people as possible.

“We have already had conversations with the Go Kart operator about helping to find alternative premises elsewhere in the town.”

To sign the petition, go to https://www.change.org/p/cllr-edward-crouch-save-brooklands-go-karts