Charging people to play tennis at The Oval in Gloucester have been blasted by residents as being like “robbing the poor to pay the rich”.
City residents fear plans to improve the facilities will lead to locals being charged to play tennis.
One neighbour, Sarah Matheou, asked Gloucester City Council why plans are being considered which would bring in a costly booking system which would bar people on low income from accessing the courts.
She said there were excellent facilities for those who can pay at Oxstalls, Gloucester Business Park and Cheltenham Tennis Club.
“Friends of The Oval have already demonstrated that the area can be easily improved through grants and fundraising,” her letter to the council read.
“This [proposal] is like robbing the poor to benefit the rich.”
Chris Matheou, who spoke at last night’s (January 27) council meeting, asked councillors if they thought charges would benefit people on low income.
He highlighted the toll the increase of rising utility bills and cost of living is having on local people.
“Do you really think implementing a fee and booking system is beneficial for the people within that social and economic banding?” He asked.
“Or is the proposal for the benefit of those individuals within the photograph of the survey which are the polar opposite of what you see in the general population around The Oval?”
Council leader Richard Cook (Con, Kingsway) said they would take into account any impact potential changes would have.
“No decision has yet been made by Gloucester City Council in respect of the introduction of a pay to play system at The Oval.
“The council will take into consideration the impact of any changes to the current arrangements and the requirements attached to Government grants before reaching any decision.”
Councillor Tree Chambers-Dubus (Lab, Moreland) asked if there will be a proper council consultation to charge to use the facilities.
Culture and leisure cabinet member Andy Lewis (Con, Quedgeley Severn Vale) said “no decision has been made about anything”.
“I’ve not talked to the Lawn Tennis Association at all,” he said.
“So I don’t know any timelines or anything to do with it, to be perfectly honest.
“I’ve seen bits of the survey, bits and bobs but nothing is written down, nothing is set in stone.”
By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter