I am amazed by the number of letters and responses against the proposals to improve the Lords Meadow Leisure Centre. Have these people actually been to the centre, spoken to the staff and read the proposals?

If so, then why are these wild allegations about the "loss" of the main sports hall being bandied about? The main hall will be divided, but it will still exist to provide space for clubs and classes. This is clearly stated in the notices at the centre.

Taekwondo will have an improved space which will include decent air conditioning, lighting and flooring.

The basketball hoops are hardly used and in the times my husband and myself have been to the centre, which amounts to at least 12 hours per week for the last 18 months, we can't remember ever seeing 5-a-side being played.

Provision for badminton is being negotiated at Queen Elizabeth's Academy, putting it in closer reach of the pupils.

If these changes are blocked and the centre cannot hold more fitness classes, the financial losses already facing the centre will be far greater, putting the existence of the centre under threat! In the very least, it could become privately owned and then users would be at the mercy of the accountants, who undoubtedly would bring in the proposals outlined by the council anyway.

So I ask, no, I plead, don't oppose too strongly, as ultimately, it could be the whole community who lose out when the council can no longer afford to keep the centre open.

Stacey Bevill

By email. Name and address supplied.