Call to provide squash court in leisure centre

Call to provide squash court in leisure centre

12 December 2018

SENIOR Newry, Mourne and Down Council chiefs are working to address concerns around handball and squash provision in Downpatrick’s new multi-million pound leisure centre.

The £16m complex — which was officially opened several weeks ago — only has one dedicated court to accommodate both sports, with those who play squash concerned that this will not meet local demand.

The old Down Leisure Centre housed two squash courts which are to be bulldozed as part of a major demolition project, resulting in the building being razed to the ground to make way for a new car park.

Squash players are concerned that there is only one court to accommodate both squash and handball in the new centre and say Downpatrick should continue to have two squash courts.

They have also asked council officials to ensure that the existing squash courts in the old complex are allowed to remain and not removed in a “deplorable act of civic vandalism.”

A report on the way forward will be discussed at next week’s meeting of the local authority’s Active and Healthy Communities Committee.

Council officials are currently looking at a number of options and will unveil their conclusions next Monday evening, with politicians insisting debate on the issue must be held in public.

Downpatrick councillor Gareth Sharvin, chairman of the council committee that will discuss the issue next week, is urging local authority officials to resolve the issue.

He said the issue arose following the construction of the new Down Leisure Centre which only has one court for both sports.

“Council officials have not fully disclosed the issues being faced, but it is believed to be in relation to a moveable walk which would provide for squash and handball,” he remarked.

“At the monthly council meeting last week it was confirmed that officials are working with the contractor to resolve the matter. It is vitality important that we move quickly to find a resolution to as the court is not currently constructed to accommodate both sports.”

Cllr Sharvin said handball and squash were both highly popular sports, with a large youth group taking up handball, “a sport which is in increasing demand”.

He added: “It is important that council officers carry out due diligence on the issue and work towards a permanent solution. However, I cannot accept a process that will drag out and not deliver in a timely manner.

“Following discussions with officers, I am assured that a report with options will be presented next Monday and it is vitality important that we deliver provision for handball and squash within Downpatrick.”

A council spokesman said the organisation reported at its monthly meeting on December 3 that officers are currently reviewing all options with relevant parties. 

He confirmed a report will be tabled at next week’s meeting of the local authority’s Active and Healthy Communities Committee meeting including proposals on the way forward.

The spokesman added: “The Council is not in a position to comment further until the matter has been considered by the committee.”