A petition to save a cultural centre that closed down after its finances were hit by the coronavirus pandemic has gained more than 2,400 signatures.

Haringey Irish Cultural and Community Centre, in Pretoria Road, Tottenham, revealed in early July it had closed “on a permanent basis” in an update posted on its website.

The centre suffered a “significant” loss of income after the pandemic prevented it from hosting events, according to Haringey Council.

Established in 1987, the centre provided information and advice, a lunch club and day services. It was also used as a venue for large wakes, receptions, baptisms and other family celebrations.

But Covid-19 cut off income from these events as well as revenue from car parking charges and bar sales on Tottenham Hotspur matchdays – and the centre has entered into voluntary liquidation.

The petition, set up by Tamzin Clifford on Change.org, states: “[The centre] is a link for cultures to come together to socialise.

“In the building there is a luncheon club and daycare, in which many Irish people come together for fun and meals. Without this club, many of them would not even leave home.

“There is also a help and advice centre in the building, which many people look to for help in times of need. Without this, people would not be able to receive the help they need. There are many fundraisers held too, to support charities.

“Please support us in saving it, as it will impact us greatly as we will lose many people and connections without this building to reunite us all.”

In three weeks, the petition has gained more than 2,490 signatures.

Haringey Council, which is the freeholder of the centre, announced on July 24 it is “committed to exploring different options to maintain the services that were delivered at the Irish Centre and to supporting the other tenants in the building, which we see as a community asset for the borough”.

Cllr Mark Blake (Labour, Woodside), cabinet member for communities and equalities, said: “Sadly, the Haringey Irish Centre has gone into liquidation, and we fully appreciate the distress the closure has caused to the staff who worked at the centre and the residents who relied on it for support.

“Work was undertaken to explore a merger with other organisations. This was, however, unsuccessful owing to current circumstances.

“We recognise the significant impact that the Covid-19 pandemic is having on our local community infrastructure, which can be reliant on income from activities which have not been possible during lockdown and which appears to be the case here.

“The council had no representatives on the trustee board. However, since being informed of the liquidation we are seeking to support residents who have been receiving support, information and advice from the centre and to keep the other tenants in the building, to ensure that residents continue to have access to the services that they need.”