The organiser of an online campaign to save The Bill has urged Kingston residents who enjoy the sight of film crews shooting in the borough to join her growing Facebook petition.

More than 20,000 people have signed up since ITV announced it would axe the long-running police drama, and petition founder Andrea Wall said she was given hope by successful public campaigns to save Primeval last year and Foyle’s War in 2008.

The programme films scenes in Kingston four or five times a year, contributing up to £9,000 that the Cambridge Road estates have used to fund playgrounds, fun days and other local facilities.

Last week, Norbiton residents reminisced about hanging over balconies to watch the cast and crew working on the estate.

Ms Wall, 34, started watching the show as a child, and said: “There are quite a few of the crew who live in Kingston. They are losing their jobs and there is the knock on effect on the local community.

“We have just got to hope they see that it’s got support. Even if we don’t win, it won’t go out with a whimper.”

Her campaign is supported by actors’ union Equity and has been covered on Radio 1.

Talkback, which produces The Bill, said: “We’ve been incredibly touched by the support from fans of the show since hearing the news that the series is to end.”

People can join the campaign at facebook.com/SaveTheBill, and phone ITV on 0844 8814150.