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Coach: fewer courts may harm squash club
A QUALIFIED coach has warned reducing the number of squash courts in Harrow could seriously affect the local club.
Earlton Francis, a level II coach, used to play for the squash club at Kelmscott Leisure Centre, in Walthamstow.
In 2006, the number of courts in the centre were cut from four to two and Mr Francis said he saw a rapid decline in the club.
He said: "It used to have a great scene, lots of players and the courts were always full.
"When they halved the number of courts, squash players stopped going to the centre.
"The club is now nothing like it used to be."
Mr Francis, 45, from Enfield, now plays at Harrow Squash Club but fears history will repeat itself at Harrow, which is facing a cut to its facilities.
He said: "They are a great bunch of guys and they have great youth players coming through.
"It would be such a shame if the enthusiasm and work that goes into the club is wasted."
Harrow Council is planning to build just two squash courts in the new centre, reduced from eight.
The squash club is furious at the plans and is urging the council to reconsider.
Mr Francis called on the council to recognise the sporting and aerobic value of squash.
He said: "It is in the top five sports for fitness, and once it grabs you, you will not give it up.
"But there are only a few people who play the sport and it doesn't command the kind of money that go into other sports, which is very sad."
For the council's comment on its plans for the centre click the link below.
11:35am Sunday 20th January 2008
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CommentPosted by: Kevin, Rayners Lane on 9:20pm Sun 20 Jan 08
Having just been at the leisure centre today I saw all 4 of the glass squash courts in use all the time - the problem is that if they go down to 2 then people are going to have to really pre-book, but the problem is you can't get through the phone system to book anything! You then have to turn up and chance there being one free - OK if there are plenty ther but if there are only 2.... Also what are the plans like - all I hear is that the facilites are going to be less all round - pool smaller, fewer courts, half the parking .. might be better to keep it as it is!
Having just been at the leisure centre today I saw all 4 of the glass squash courts in use all the time - the problem is that if they go down to 2 then people are going to have to really pre-book, but the problem is you can't get through the phone system to book anything! You then have to turn up and chance there being one free - OK if there are plenty ther but if there are only 2.... Also what are the plans like - all I hear is that the facilites are going to be less all round - pool smaller, fewer courts, half the parking .. might be better to keep it as it is!
Posted by: Merlie, Harrow on 5:29am Mon 21 Jan 08
Why not use all those millions to be spent on the new facilty to upgrade the old one instead ? then there is the question of what is the left over land ? Is there` going to be affordable housing to be built ? It seems that they are losing the plot by planning to build a complex that according to the plans are inferior. And where was the consultation with the members of the centre ?
Why not use all those millions to be spent on the new facilty to upgrade the old one instead ? then there is the question of what is the left over land ? Is there` going to be affordable housing to be built ? It seems that they are losing the plot by planning to build a complex that according to the plans are inferior. And where was the consultation with the members of the centre ?
Posted by: Fintan Walsh, Brent on 12:23am Thu 24 Jan 08
Re squash courts - it's all very well citing national trends but what should count are local needs and wishes. And let's not forget that the game originated in Harrow.
Leisure businesses have promoted fitness equipment because it is can be very lucrative for them. The advice offered to the council by potential contractors for the new centre cannot be relied on as objective.
Squash has been part of the Commonwealth games for many years and the case has been made for it to feature in the Olympics.
Finally, with a little design imagination squash courts could be used for other classes and activities. The main need would be to provide sound insulation and privacy, at least for quieter groups such as Yoga.
Re squash courts - it's all very well citing national trends but what should count are local needs and wishes. And let's not forget that the game originated in Harrow.
Leisure businesses have promoted fitness equipment because it is can be very lucrative for them. The advice offered to the council by potential contractors for the new centre cannot be relied on as objective.
Squash has been part of the Commonwealth games for many years and the case has been made for it to feature in the Olympics.
Finally, with a little design imagination squash courts could be used for other classes and activities. The main need would be to provide sound insulation and privacy, at least for quieter groups such as Yoga.
Posted by: John O'Donnell on 7:42pm Thu 31 Jan 08
Harrow Council
GIVE US A SPORTING CHANCE
The health of the borough is being dismantled in Harrow as eight squash courts are knocked down to make way for TWO!!
This sporting equation does not add up.
For the short and long term benefits to the residents of Harrow please look at the figures again; re-evaluate the costs and rebuild for the future.
Sporting logic cries out for a re-calculation of the plans.
Please more squash courts for a popular and ever growing sport
A healthy Harrow is a safer Harrow.
John O’Donnell
Harrow Council
GIVE US A SPORTING CHANCE
The health of the borough is being dismantled in Harrow as eight squash courts are knocked down to make way for TWO!!
This sporting equation does not add up.
For the short and long term benefits to the residents of Harrow please look at the figures again; re-evaluate the costs and rebuild for the future.
Sporting logic cries out for a re-calculation of the plans.
Please more squash courts for a popular and ever growing sport
A healthy Harrow is a safer Harrow.
John O’Donnell
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