SCORES of angry squash players who use the two courts at Warminster Sports Centre have kicked up protest storm about their impending closure.
Members of the Scorpion Squash Club in Warminster have launched a petition to stop Wiltshire Council closing the courts in the autumn.
The council wants to close the 30-year-old courts and use the space to expand the Warminster Sports Centre gym as part of a £1 million investment to improve facilities at three Wiltshire leisure centres.
But the squash club says the council has taken the decision without consulting them and that it will have a negative health and wellbeing impact on the players using the courts.
Club member Steve Howe, who launched the petition, says that already more than 200 people have signed.
He has arranged to meet Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling, Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure, at Warminster Sports Centre on April 18 to voice their concerns.
Mr Howe, 38, said: “Scorpion Squash Club who play out of Warminster Sports Centre have been consulting Wiltshire Council to refurb the second squash court. Not once have they said they are looking to close both courts.
“This decision was made without consulting residents who regularly use these facilities and pay council tax for such services.
"Squash is not just a game; it is a sport that promotes health, community engagement, and will soon gain even more global recognition when it becomes an Olympic sport in 2028.
“The removal of these courts will not only deprive us of our beloved sport but also prevent future generations from discovering and enjoying squash."
Wiltshire Council announced last week that it is planning improvements to some fitness facilities at Devizes Leisure Centre, Marlborough Leisure Centre and Warminster Sports Centre.
The Warminster Sports Centre improvements include relocating and improving the fitness suite making it much more accessible, refurbishing the existing studios, creating a consultation room, and refurbishing the existing fitness suite by converting it into a flexible space for instructor-led classes and events such as meetings and parties.
Wiltshire Council said: “The council is keen for as many people as possible to use the sports centre so it is sustainable and meets the needs of a wide range of the community.
“There are squash facilities available to use a short distance away at Leighton Recreation Centre that people will be welcome to use when the changes are made.
“In today’s financial climate it’s now more important than ever that we spend our money wisely. to provide a better user experience and improve people’s health.”
To sign the Scorpion Squash Club petition, click here.
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