More than 5,000 people have signed a petition campaigning against the closure of Ridgway Stables in Wimbledon.

Julia Hardy - manager of the stables for 37 years - says her landlord will not renew her lease because it wants the site for its own purposes.

The stables, located beside Wimbledon Common at Ridgway, dates back to the 1860s and has functioned as a riding school for at least 79 years.

An emotional Julia told Wimbledon Guardian: “I could cry. People have been really supportive, amazing really. I’ve heard from people who learned to ride here whose children and grandchildren learned to ride here.

“It will be a loss of affordable riding for children. There are no other stables in Wimbledon that cater for children. That’s a really sad loss.”

Julia, whose lease expires on September 28, is now preparing for an unforeseen change in her day-to-day life.

She said: “It will be strange for me not to be involved with the horses. I have done it for a long time and I would love for it to continue as a riding school for the benefit of all children and adults. It’s a great stress relief.

“It’s really important to me to rehome the horses which is what I’m doing now. They have been good servants and friends.”

Julia added that her fondest memory from running the stables is from working with the children.

Leader of Merton Council, Cllr Stephen Alambritis, commented: "This is very concerning. There is lots of employment on the land and we would like to keep it that way.

“They do a great job for our children and for those that want to ride ponies and horses. It would be a very, very sad loss.”

He went on to advise: “We call on the landlord to think again and to offer a renewal of the tenancy to what is a really good business. It’s highly regarded not just in Merton but the whole of south-west London.

“What we are doing as a council is keeping a close eye on what’s happening. We are guardians of employment and that patch of land has been employing people for the last 35 years and we want that to continue.”

Helen Shelley, 50, has travelled to Wimbledon from Stockwell for five years to use the stables.

She said: “Personally, I’m absolutely gutted. I feel like someone has died. I’m very fond of the horses because you build relations with them.

“It is a big part of my weekend. From Monday to Friday I work very hard in London to be able to go to Wimbledon for recreation and to relax.

“The community is losing such a wonderful thing. It brings so much happiness to people. It’s very sad that somebody who has built up a successful business over 37 years has to lose that.”

Helen added that she was unsure about the influence the petition could have.

“How many times do we have a petition for things and nothing happens? The developers always win. They have more money and more power.

“I’m trying to be positive but sometimes these things don’t end well. The overwhelming response to the petition has boosted everyone to think that maybe it’s possible.”

The rider believes Ridgway Stables provides “character” to Wimbledon.

She added: “Part of the reason I travel there is because I like it. I could ride in other places but I like the people and the horses in Ridgway."

After the announcement of the closure, one commenter said on Facebook, “This is heart-breaking, I am so sorry to hear this. My daughter loved her lessons with you. I hope there will be a lining.”

Lesley Brothers (London), the landlord of the site, has been contacted for a comment.