SWANSEA'S threatened tennis centre serves up something for all ages and abilities, according to the growing number of people fighting for its future.

Opposition to the council's proposal to close the centre on the edge of Morfa shopping park has been gathering momentum.

Collette Richards, of Langland, regularly attends over-50 sessions in the centre which she says provides a vital service.

The 56-year old said: "This is the only facility of its kind in West Wales and today alone we have people from Haverfordwest, Bridgend, Gower, Neath and Pontarddulais playing tennis. It provides a service to people from the age of nine to 90.

"On Wednesday the Olympic club play here, which is a very popular initiative for disabled children.

"And for many of the older people who use the centre it provides a vital social service."

The Post revealed on Monday that a plan to close the centre is within the local authority's draft budget, which aims to plug a £17 million funding gap.

If approved, the centre will close — saving the authority £50,000. However a mass of public opposition has already seen 200 people signing a petition against closure.

Judith Millard and her husband David Roberts, aged 60 and 65, moved from Crynant to Birchgrove a couple of years ago, and said the tennis centre had been a great way to integrate with the Swansea community.

Three of their four grandchildren had also tried tennis at the Morfa centre.

Mrs Millard said: "It has been a lifeline for us. Everyone has been so friendly."

The couple play on Thursday mornings in the over-50s sessions. Mrs Millard said it would be a great loss to the city if the centre folded.

"Why can't Swansea do more to keep it going?" she said.

Another user, John Gilchrist from Reynoldston takes his two daughters to the centre on Saturday mornings.

"Anyone at the council who is thinking of closing the centre should visit it on a Saturday morning when their are 50 or 60 children playing tennis.

"They would soon change their mind. There is obviously a demand for the facility, I would suggest the council tries harder to promote and advertise the centre to raise money."

However, Swansea Council's cabinet member for culture, recreation and tourism has dismissed fears from protesters.

Councillor Graham Thomas said: "There are many other facilities across Swansea where middle-aged and elderly people can access sport and exercise opportunities.

"These include tennis courts in many locations and a choice of community leisure centres where affordable packages for different age groups are available that offer unlimited access to racquet sports, gyms and swimming pools."

He added: "We also undertake outreach activities such as yoga and aerobics in the community for the elderly.

"Classes such as gymnastics are organised for the disabled in Bishopston Sports Centre and we have a disability sports development officer in place.

"This helps to develop a comprehensive programme of sporting opportunities for people with disabilities at a grass roots level and to provide support and information. Our programme of activities would alter to meet new requirements if the proposal to close the tennis centre is backed."

sion.morgan@swwmedia.co.uk

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