20/3/07

BOURNEMOUTH MPs CONTINUE TO CAMPAIGN AGAINST CLOSURE OF DAVID LLOYD CLUB

Following representations which they made to the Whitbread Group against the closure of the David Lloyd Club in Knole Road, Bournemouth MPs, Tobias Ellwood and John Butterfill, were delighted to receive a letter of support from England Squash, the governing body of the Squash Rackets Association. 

The Chief Executive of England Squash, Mr Nick Rider, has written to the Chief Executive of the Whitbread Group, asking him to reconsider their decision to close the Club.  He has pointed out that the Club is vibrant and successful and that it has demonstrated that squash is a major contributor to the local sporting community.  The Club has a thriving squash section with seven teams in the county leagues and has hosted many great events, including the Bournemouth Senior and Junior Opens and the South of England Racketball Championships.

In his letter Mr Rider said ‘The recent Active People survey (the biggest sports participation survey ever conducted in the U.K.) demonstrated that squash is the seventh most popular sport among adults in England, with more regular players than cricket and rugby union.’  He also pointed out that both the men’s and women’s squash teams are World and European Champions.

The MPs said ‘We are pleased that England Squash agrees with us that the squash players at David Lloyd deserve the support of the local community.’