I AM very concerned about the sudden closure of the athletics track at the Ryland Centre in Bromsgrove by the County Council.
As a user of the track and the parent of a ten-year-old who trains there with the junior section of Bromsgrove and Redditch Athletics Club, the closure has been an unwelcome surprise. It is a blow to other parents, users and, in my opinion, to Bromsgrove as a whole.
Around forty children aged from nine used the track on a Monday evening for a variety of athletic activities. The emphasis is on participation, getting moving and having fun.
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Until recently, disabled young people from Worcestershire Special Olympics group also used this track for training and exercise.
Much has been said about the fight against childhood obesity and promotion of sport for young people. It is not enough to trumpet the 2012 Olympics and the millions spent on the London showcase only then to ignore local amenities.
The track at the Ryland Centre has been a great asset for sport and recreation and is more important than ever as Bromsgrove grows in size. We should be encouraging more people to use public sports facilities, not running them down.
I am hoping for the speedy repair of this track and a reassurance that if, instead, it is sold into private hands, the people of Bromsgrove will be provided with a replacement with good access and at reasonable rates.
If you care about what happens to sports and recreation in Bromsgrove, please call upon your county and district councillors and MP to support the Ryland Centre and its track.
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