11:35am Sunday 20th January 2008
By Tristan Kirk
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."
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