More than 9,000 people have signed a petition to preserve Reading Goal.

The petition, initiated by MP Matt Rodda, calls on the Ministry of Justice to make it an arts hub rather than selling it off to housing developers.

The Reading East representative met with the new Prison’s Minister, Stuart Andrew, on Wednesday to discuss the building's future.

Mr Rodda said: “It is really important to show the strength of support for Save Reading Gaol and I am very grateful to everyone who has signed the petition.

“If you haven’t signed please do sign and ask friends and neighbours if they can also show their support.”

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Reading Borough Council’s bid to make the building a public arts and culture space was backed by street artist Banksy, who offered the MoJ an extra £10m to accept it.

Campaigners were left ‘disappointed and frustrated’ in December by the Ministry of Justice’s lack of response.

The Reading Chronicle contacted the MoJ at the time and asked how it would approach the council’s bid, submitted before the deadline, in conjunction with Banksy’s support, announced after the deadline.

A Prison Service spokesperson responded: “The deadline for bids has passed and we are currently considering the ones we received.”

Reading Gaol, which once incarcerated Oscar Wilde and may contain the grave of King Henry I, has been disused since 2013.