An MP has questioned the efficiency of a consultation on the closure of Stubbington Study Centre, urging Hampshire County Council to see the 'huge public concern' around the centre.
Dame Caroline Dinenage, Gosport MP, has penned a second letter to the council on the closure of the centre, as the council looks to close the outdoor facility that caters to more than 6,500 children per year.
The decision has been met with backlash from parents and schools, though the council says it is trying to help meet the increasing need for residential care to support vulnerable children and young people in the county.
If approved, the outdoor learning activities would need to cease in September, and now Dame Dinenage has urged the council to consider other sites for the new residential care building.
READ MORE: Council calls for Stubbington Study Centre to be saved
In a letter to Hampshire County Council, she said: "I have received an enormous amount of communication from constituents who are concerned about the closure and have queried the other sites explored.
"I'd be grateful if you could advise if the following sites were considered please: Henry Cort Community College, Hythe Police Station, Manor Farm QE Centre.
"I have also been asked about the claim that Stubbington Study Centre land was gifted to Hampshire County Council with a covenant that it was used for education of children and the protection of animals. I'd be grateful if this could be looked into please."
READ MORE: Petition to save beloved study centre gets 2,000 signatures in one day
A petition was set up to fight the closure of the centre, which was signed more than 2,000 times within 24 hours.
Conservative-run Fareham Borough Council also joined growing calls for the outdoor education centre to be saved, calling it a 'much-loved' community facility that has served children across the region for almost 90 years.
Dame Dinenage said in her letter: "Finally, there are concerns that the consultation does not lend itself to members of the public to respond to as they themselves would be unlikely to use the site personally.
"This could mean that the data would show low usage of the site when we know this is not the case. In lieu of this a petition has been set up which has reached over 8,500 signatures in five days."
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