Over 1,000 people have pressured mayor of London Sadiq Khan to bid for the Holloway Prison site.

The deadline for bids is November 15. As of 2.30pm today, 1,637 people had signed a petition calling for Mr Khan to step up. It only went live three days ago.

The petition, set up by the Islington Axe the Housing Act group, demands the site – which closed as a women’s prison last summer – is converted into council homes and community facilities.

Andy Bain, from the group, said: “More than 1,000 people signed the petition in the first 36 hours to make their views known. We believe the mayor can work with Islington Council to ensure that a development that benefits the community can take place.

“There is an urgent need for council housing in the borough that will help the mayor meet his housing target. This really is a popular win-win proposal.”

The site, in Parkhurst Road, is being auctioned by GVA Bilfinger on behalf of the Ministry of Justice. It has been subject of a long-term campaign to prevent it falling into the hands of private developers.

To view the petition, visit change.org/p/sadiq-khan-council-homes-on-the-holloway-prison-site