Holidaymakers expressed their “sadness” over the uncertain future of a much-loved children’s camp.

Hertfordshire County Council announced it would be withdrawing its funding for Cuffley Camp, based in Carbone Hill, at a cabinet meeting on Monday, November 13.

Nearly 10,000 people signed a petition to keep the outdoor centre for young people open, as it has been used by schools and youth groups from across the county for more than 50 years.

However, the county council had, according to the site’s landlord, “not maintained [it] to an acceptable standard”.

Felicity McKinnon, who lives in St Albans, said the “unique” camp had given her children a sense of adventure.

She said: “The most amazing thing about Cuffley Camp has been the common experience that everyone has shared, who visited last year or over 55 years ago. It seems to be a special bond that everyone has, made all the more remarkable by the fact that most first visits would have been on a school trip over a few days but at a formative time which have been so positive and lasting and influential.

“My own children have taken away with them a lasting respect for the environment, an interest in nature, gained confidence in themselves, have a sense of adventure and self-sufficiency that has come from the unique experience that Cuffley has gifted them, which to us is priceless.

“All of the support that the council needs is out in the wider community and all they have to do is look beyond the narrow short term view and tap into that resource with creativity and the will to make it work for the future of the children of Hertfordshire.”

Emma Boulton added she felt “sad” her youngest son will not get the opportunity to experience an adventurous holiday at the camp.

She said: “My memories of Cuffley Camp as a child are of a great week getting muddy and having fun. Breakfast in camp of cornflakes with ice cold milk.

“I even sent my own children to the summer camps. My oldest son loved it and went back while he was a student at university to work there for two summer seasons.

“I feel sad that my youngest son won't get that opportunity as he loves the outdoors.”

Liberal Democrat county councillors secured a review of the decision in a bid for it to be overturned.

However, David Williams, deputy leader of Hertfordshire County Council, confirmed that following the review, the county council will still be withdrawing from its lease at Cuffley Camp.

He said: “We understand and share residents’ concern about the future of this much loved outdoor camping centre.

“At Cabinet on November 13, it was agreed that following a review of Cuffley Camp’s sustainability as a self-financing facility operated by the county council, we cannot maintain the levels of investment required to bring the camp up to the standards needed to compete with alternative providers and offer a compelling service for the future.

“Such investment would not be the best use of taxpayers’ money. It was therefore agreed this afternoon that the county council will negotiate with the landlord to withdraw from its lease at Cuffley Camp.

“We understand that the landlord’s intention is to continue to operate Cuffley Camp as an outdoor education centre with an alternative provider. We support this and will continue discussions with the landlord and the promotion of the facility to our schools across Hertfordshire.”

The manager of Cuffley Camp declined to give a comment.

An Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, November 29 at 2pm in the Council Chamber.

The meeting will consider a called-in decision to consider the future of the camp.