Tiddenfoot Collective hopes to build new future for closed Leighton Buzzard leisure centre

And the Tiddenfoot Collective hopes that families, groups and businesses will join their fight.

The team comprises five residents who "feel passionate" about the value of the former Mentmore Road leisure centre, believing that it could become a community hub that encourages "creativity, culture, movement, and wellbeing."

They are now encouraging people to get in touch and share ideas – and to join their social picnic in the grounds outside the entrance of Tiddenfoot on Thursday, July 9, from 5.30pm to 8.30pm.

A spokeswoman for the Tiddenfoot Collective said: "It's a callout to the community to get involved and be part of creating future for Tiddenfoot.

"Within Leighton-Linslade and surrounding areas there's so much expertise – it feels like if we collaborate we can be stronger together. It's all about grassroots."

The event is a picnic meal followed by one hour of community movement and dance.

Meanwhile, the members are developing a database of groups and clubs who can offer ideas about Tiddenfoot's future - and they hope people will come along to the picnic and have a chat.

RSVP to the Tiddenfoot Collective via [email protected] – or if you can't make the day, get in touch and share your thoughts.

The spokeswoman added: "We're aware that there would be lots of mixed feelings about the closure and loss of such a significant building in the community. We felt it was important to unite to mark its significance."

The Tiddenfoot Collective started a petition in January that gained a whopping 1,900 signatures and was discussed at a full council meeting of CBC on April 23.

They also surveyed around 250 people about Tiddenfoot, with responders emphasising that it [Tiddenfoot] was not just for health, but for "social connection and wellbeing".

Reflecting on the petition, the spokeswoman said: "It was commended and acknowledged - the volume of signatures and extent of community concern.

"We have been in contact with CBC regarding the potential opportunities for the building - and are collectively working with Linslade ward councillors Russ Goodchild, Steve Owen, and Victoria Harvey - having joint consultation and ongoing communication. Their expertise has been invaluable.

"At this stage, no particular decision has been made about the future of the building and how it's going to be used. We wish to explore all the different, positive opportunities."

The Tiddenfoot Collective is keen to work in partnership with other interested parties, and the group would also be prepared to operate the building for the community.

The spokeswoman concluded: "It's a really exciting time for the Tiddenfoot Collective. We feel so passionate.

"It's really positive that the council has invested £33.9 million into a new leisure centre. They have invested for the Leighton population, but we need to be thinking about the community of Linslade and surrounding areas.

"This is a campaign. We want to say that Tiddenfoot is still here, it's still standing, and it's worth fighting for."

Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre's last day of trading was on June 26. The new Leighton Leisure and Community Centre, Pursuit Way, opened on June 27.