Published: July 17, 2012
Angry sports centre members start petition over squash court closure

Angry members of a sports centre in Highbridge have launched a petition calling for urgent repairs to be made to the building's damaged roof following the lengthy closure of a squash court.

Structural damage to a roof has led to one of the squash courts at Highbridge's King Alfred Sports Centre, pictured, being put of action for safety reasons for over three months.

Several of the club's members are unhappy about the time it is taking to get the repairs completed by Somerset County Council, the landlord of the property, and 1610, which manages the centre.

One member, who asked to remain anonymous, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "Many members who use the squash courts are unhappy about the situation. We are being expected to pay full membership fees even though the facilities have not been available for quite some time."

"We've heard there are talks going on behind the scenes between the County Council and 1610, but no solution appears near. A petition has therefore been launched to apply some pressure."

Rebecca Sawtell, Head of Marketing and Communications, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: "An investigation is underway at King Alfred Sports Centre to solve structural roof problems which have put one of the squash courts temporarily out of action."

"1610 leisure trust, which manages the centre, is currently in talks with Somerset County Council, the landlord of the property, to find an effective solution to the problem. As landlord of the sports centre, the County Council is responsible for the maintenance of the roof and the authority is actively seeking expert advice on the matter."

"One squash court at the King Alfred Sports Centre is currently available for use and 1610 is keeping customers regularly informed about developments regarding the squash court closure."

Kenny Brown, General Manager for Leisure Operations at 1610, added that the leisure trust is doing all it can to resolve the problem. "Squash is a popular activity at King Alfred Sports Centre and we would like to thank customers for their patience while we work with Somerset County Council to resolve the issue," he said.

"We are in talks with the County Council to find the best way forward and we will continue to keep customers informed about progress that is made."