THOUSANDS of anxious residents are making a last ditch attempt to save a much-loved garden centre.

Wyevale Garden Centre in Daws Lane could be closed and the site reopened as a Jewish free school called Etz Chaim Primary School in 2012, if planning permission is granted by Barnet Council.

Etz Chaim is set to be one of the first free schools under the Government's plans to give parents more input in their children's education.

But, an action group is desperately urging Wyevale’s customers and local residents to write to the council before a second-round of consultation ends next Monday.

Mike Fisher lives in Birkbeck Road and is part of the action group which has collected more than 5,500 signatures from people wanting to keep Wyevale open.

He said: “The garden centre is used by everyone in the community – people with disabilities, old folk, children and parents. It really is at the heart of our community.”

As well as selling gardening products Wyevale has a cafe which is regularly used by members of the community and the site also houses an aquatic centre.

People living in and around the area are concerned the school, which would provide space for 222 pupils at full capacity, would increase traffic and pollution in the area.

Mr Fisher said: “It’s a particularly busy road anyway but a school would definitely increase the traffic and be extremely hazardous for the children trying to cross there.

“Fumes from the traffic will impact the children’s health, which is unacceptable and the school will also have an impact on the greenbelt.

“The garden centre serves the community at large but a school would only benefit a very small number of specific people who can enter the site. They also want to build a fence so no one would be able to see the building.”

But Etz Chaim’s chair of governors, Adam Dawson has hit back saying the garden centre was up for sale and its owners were willing to sell to them.

Mr Dawson, a resident in Mill Hill said: “The school will be open 190 days a year, but the other 175 days we want it to be a place where it can be used as the community wants."

He added: “We think 75 per cent of children will walk to school, and we will encourage walking and do all we can to reduce the number of vehicles using the road.”