Some famous names with links to Swindon have joined the fight to keep a Swindon venue which led to another very famous name. 

Comedian Ivo Graham, a staunch Swindon Town Football Club supporter who was born in the area, and Chris Kamara, a former Town player, have both lent their support to the campaign to save the Oasis Oasis Leisure Centre's sports hall and music venue. 

Local campaign group Save Oasis Swindon, which successfully fought to get the pool and iconic dome Grade II-listed status and saved the wave machine, has recently turned its attention towards the facility's dry side, arguing that the hall is needed in Swindon and it even staged a protest to that end this weekend. 

Swindon Advertiser:

But Swindon Borough Council has said that the future of the site is not viable with the hall still attached, and that potential operators who will be taking up the running of the site that closed in 2020 do not want it. 

This means the building that gave the iconic rock band Oasis its name is set to be demolished when construction work finally goes ahead. 

Responding to public plans for the protest on Twitter, comedian Ivo Graham, initially from Aldbourne just outside Swindon, voiced his support

He said: "A vital Swindon cause which I hugely hope succeeds."

A Save Oasis Swindon spokesperson responded: "You're a legend Ivo, thanks for your kind words."

Joining Ivo Graham in lending support for the cause was Chris Kamara who fondly recalled some of his visits to the sports hall and music venue. 

"Great memories of this place, especially football coaching for the unemployed. Some brilliant characters who at that time couldn’t get work.

"I also saw some great bands there - my favourites at that time were UB40 & The Specials. And this is where my two sons both took to the swimming pool for their very first time."

Ivo and Kammy aren't the first big names to have their say on the popular leisure centre, although the latter has previously supported earlier campaigns on the building. 

Swindon Advertiser: Billie Piper supports campaign to reopen the Oasis Leisure CentreBillie Piper supports campaign to reopen the Oasis Leisure Centre (Image: Swindon Advertiser)

When the Swindon Advertiser launched a campaign to reopen the Oasis shortly after its closure, Doctor Who actress and singer Billie Piper got involved. 

Ms Piper told the newspaper: “It’s such a crucial part of the Swindon community, providing a place for people of all ages to exercise and have fun and make their own memories.

“To permanently lose this iconic local landmark would be heartbreaking for the community, some of whom rely on the space for their physical and mental health, and also for the loyal employees who will lose their jobs.”