A petition launched last week in an attempt to save the site attracted more than 800 signatures in the first few days.

John Archer, of the Witham Road fish and chip shop, took the campaign against East Lindsey District Council’s decision to axe the site to Woodhall Spa Parish Council meeting on Wednesday. He said he and other business people feared a serious impact on the village economy if the site was closed.

“I do not see why the £1.5 million makeover of Jubilee Park means the caravan site has to go,” Mr Archer told the News.

“It’s unique in the county because it is right in the centre of the village and holidaymakers can walk into the village for all their needs. All the village businesses benefit.”

Friends of Jubilee Park, the driving force behind the huge improvement scheme, said it had not been their decision for the caravan site to close.

“ELDC have closed the caravan and camping site for operational reasons, not to find a home for the Croquet Club,” said FOJP chairman, Craig Leyland.

Ian Bustin, head of communications at ELDC, said the authority had approached the Caravan Club of Great Britain with a view to running the site but it said at its present size and with the investment it needed, the idea was not viable.

“The other option was chosen, to go for a national standard croquet centre, which does not exist anywhere else in the country,” Mr Bustin said.

“There are other caravan sites but the croquet centre will be unique and events will bring in a unique set of people. We are losing something but gaining something much more significant.”

An ELDC report said the site showed a loss, totalling £10,000, in four of the last five years.

l A caravan park or a croquet centre? What would you prefer to see in Woodhall Spa? Email sean.topham@jpress.co.uk or write to the Editor, Horncastle News, Church Lane, Horncastle LN9 5HW.