Keep-fit enthusiasts who have been told they can no longer use a sports centre during the day have stepped up their fight against the decision.

The over-40s group has been using a centre for badminton, table tennis and gym sessions for the past six years.

But they have been told their sessions can no longer be held because a nearby school will be using the centre on weekdays.

The group of 15 people, which includes pensioners in their 70s and one of 82, have launched a petition and lobbied their MP Des Turner.

Each person pays an annual membership to Meridian Leisure Centre in Peacehaven to use the facilities on Tuesday mornings.

But from September 2003, pupils of the £30 million Peacehaven Community School will have exclusive use of the sports hall.

The 40-plus group members say the centre is a community facility, paid for by everyone and should be open to all.

Joyce Vizer, treasurer of the Peacehaven Residents' Association, said: "The centre was built for the people of Peacehaven, not as part of the school.

"The school wasn't even there when the leisure centre was built."

A spokesman for Lewes District Council told the group the leisure centre was developed on educational land.

It had always been known that the community school would eventually take over the sports hall during term time.

But the pensioners have refused to accept the explanation.

They have written to Peter Cowley, the head of community leisure at Lewes District Council, saying: "A grant was received from the National Lottery towards the building of the leisure centre, as a facility for the whole community.

"We would like to know if the National Lottery is aware of your proposals for the school to have exclusive use of the sports hall."

The letter, which has been sent to councillors and Mr Turner MP, continues: "Our objection is to the school taking over sole use of the sports hall for every week day in term time."

The group is also demanding to know on what authority the joint use agreement was made which enables the school to have sole use on week days.

The letter says: "What public notification and discussion took place prior to this decision being made?

"The older residents of Peacehaven do not wish to be treated like second-class citizens.

"One morning out of five full days is not much to request."

Young gymnasts who use the centre have also been told that they will have to leave to make way for schoolchildren.