I wish to place on record my objection to the car park and access road improvements proposed for Harrow Leisure Centre.

Whereas I welcome the measures that will reduce poor and inconsiderate parking and make access to the site easier, I strongly object to the new charges.

I am a member of Herga Indoor Bowls Club and the proposed two hours’ free parking will be totally insufficient for my needs.

Herga’s membership consists predominately of retired members and it provides not only a sporting outlet, but also a social and dining facility to its many retired and elderly members, who might otherwise find themselves ‘home alone’.

Bowling is probably the only sport that people can routinely play into their 90s. For those less able, it can be played from a wheelchair and there are many partially-sighted and blind players.

Whereas one free visit per day up to two hours may suit many leisure centre users, it most certainly will impact heavily on our membership and my ability to play bowls.

The minimum length of time for a routine game is two-and-a-quarter hours and many competitions and matches can take as long as four hours.

I and many of my friends regularly stay at the club for a meal or post-match drink. The proposed charges will hit us all, especially those who bowl several times a week.

A solution that meets the needs of the bowls clubs needs to be found as it is not only our members who will be affected, but visitors from other clubs who come to Herga for friendly matches, as well as county and national competitions.

Special consideration must be made for a facility that provides so many benefits to the community.

There is potential for differing forms of car park controls, such as club parking permits as well as setting aside areas for specific users, which would impact far less than a rigid two hours’ free and 80p per hour thereafter.

I am, therefore, requesting that Harrow Borough Council reviews the proposed changes and designs a scheme that recognises the benefit to the community that Herga provides and does not preclude or prevent anyone from playing because of costly parking fees.

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