PARENTS have launched a petition requesting Colchester Council picks up the pieces after Colchester United Community Sports Trust closed.

The petition asks the authority to take on coaching sessions after the charity shut on Monday.

A statement reads: “These lessons provided a welcome introduction to the sport in a friendly and gently-competitive environment.

“They will be much missed by all the children involved.”

Colchester Council has arranged meetings to see what provision can be made.

The petition can be viewed on www.ipetitions.com/petition/council-funding-for-cucst-colchester-united/signatures