THE views of climate change sceptic Jeremy Clarkson were today held up as a reason to continue support for High Wycombe’s Environment Centre, set to close in March.

Trustee Frances Alexander read out a quote from the outspoken Top Gear presenter to underline why the green-themed group should continue once its Holywell Mead centre closes.

It came as supporters met to discuss its future after bosses announced last month that they could not afford to stay at the facility, which runs exhibitions, film showings and talks.

Mr Clarkson’s comment was: “The rainforest is portrayed by rock stars and schoolteachers as a magical and mystical place full of wonder and majesty.

“This is nonsense. It is the worst place in the world, and the sooner a burger company chops it all down, the better.”

It was published in a column he wrote for The Times newspaper following a visit to the Bolivian rainforest.

Mrs Alexander told the meeting today: “We are fighting against that sort of mentality and I think our message is valid whatever they say.”

Suggestions at the meeting included holding a stall in the town centre or sharing a home with Wycombe Museum if the council pushes with an option to move it from Priory Avenue.

Chairman James Donald told the meeting the group would leave the centre as owners Wycombe District Council had proposed a ‘not affordable’ tenancy agreement for April onwards.

The authority had charged £1 a year rent but withdrawn grant support in April last year.

Ruling Conservatives said the centre had failed to bring in outside cash (see links, bottom of story).

Mr Donald said: “It mostly comes down to money, at the end of the day.”

Yet he said he hopes the organisation ‘doesn’t come to a full stop’ as it can continue without the centre.

He told the meeting of about 25 people at the centre that ‘new blood’ was needed to take over the organisation.

Some expressed anger at the council’s withdrawal of grant funding and agreed to amend the proposed annual report for last year to thank only ‘some’ WDC staff for their efforts.

Eric Alexander branded the council ‘stingy’. He said: “I appreciate that the few members of Wycombe District Council who have made an effort to help the Environment Centre.

“They haven’t got very far because the people who determine the policy of the council have not been helpful at all.

“I think they have been obstinate and undermined the work of the centre.”

Celia Carter added: “It is important to recognise, with some exceptions, that we have not had the full support of the council.”

And she said: “If we don’t hold together as an organisation we will go back to our separate factions.”

The council recently consulted on the future of the entire Holywell Mead site. It closed the adjacent outdoor swimming pool last year, saying it cost too much and was not used enough.

Ryemead Liberal Democrat councillor Trevor Snaith said this could see the centre kept for community use, allowing the group to hire it back when needed.

Click the links below for more on the closure.