A 2,303-strong petition against the closure of Sotheby Mews Day Centre was presented to Islington Council last night.

Islington Gazette: Sotheby Mews Day Centre campaigners on the town hall steps before the petition was handed in to Islington Council. Picture: James MorrisSotheby Mews Day Centre campaigners on the town hall steps before the petition was handed in to Islington Council. Picture: James Morris (Image: Archant)

The council revealed plans earlier this year to demolish the Highbury centre for older people and build social housing.

They want to relocate the current Sotheby clan to the redeveloped Highbury Roundhouse. But this has caused uproar. Sotheby users call it their “second home” and say the Roundhouse would be unsuitable for their specific needs.

Sole opposition Cllr Caroline Russell (Green, Highbury East), presented the petition at last night’s full council meeting and told her colleagues: “What these residents want is to keep the services and community they have, which sees older people looking after each other. They want to hold that together.

“They don’t understand why it has to mean closure. They think there ought to be a way of keeping Sotheby Mews open as well as building new homes there. Please – I hope you will listen to these people who have signed the petition.”