A group of rock climbers has started a petition against proposed changes to a "unique" indoor climbing wall.

Users of the wall, in Watford Central Leisure Centre, say they have seen plans to change the current facility for a "more accessible set of exercise machines".

Alex Waygood, who regularly climbs in the Peace Prospect centre, said the climbing wall was already unique in the way it catered for climbers of all abilities.

He said: "Changing the nature of the wall will not improve things in any way, and would lead to the loss of a great service currently enjoyed by many people.

"The facilities are currently excellent. The instructors are extremely enthusiastic, knowledgeable, experienced, friendly, approachable and inspiring.

"For a small wall, the centre is impressive in that it offers a large number of routes that are superb to begin climbing on, and that can be completed during the first session, but also routes of a far greater difficulty that stretch and challenge more advanced climbers."

Mr Waygood said the wall is also available for use for Duke of Edinburgh and GCSE qualifications.

He added: "It is impressive how little time is wasted when people arrive for the first time.

"Newcomers have usually climbed at least one route, learned how to put on a helmet and harness, and often learned how to belay, all within two hours.

"However, the leisure centre management proposes to subcontract the facilities to an outside company and replace the current wall with little more than a set of exercise machines.

"There is little interest in this from the perspective of a more advanced climber, as they do not stretch climbing abilities at all.

"Furthermore, there would be no option of working toward skills qualifications, as many Watford climbers are currently doing."

Mr Waygood said many of the wall’s current users would have to travel to St Albans or Amersham, or simply give up the hobby altogether.

He added: "The wall already offers fantastic facilities for first-time climbers of all ages, those wishing simply to climb for fitness, and also climbers of all abilities.

"We feel it would be a real shame for the proposed changes to go ahead."

The company responsible for the facilities, SLM, was unavailable for comment.