SUPPORT against proposals to close the Sir James Hawkey Hall is going from strength to strength.

Hundreds of residents and users of the hall in Broomhill Road, Woodford Green, have signed petitions in a bid to fight off any plans to close it.

The hall is threatened with closure as Redbridge Council tries to save around £7.7m in the next budget.

It is thought it would save the council around £54,000 a year.

But furious residents and councillors have vowed to oppose any plan, to stop the closure of what they describe as a vital part of the life of the community.

Cllr Richard Hoskins will present the petitions before the full council meeting at the town hall on Thursday, November 15.

Mr Hoskins said: The petitions have been coming through thick and fast and there is a lot of support."