Sporting facilities have to be made more accessible

Sir, – A group of friends and I were enjoying Sunday’s Troop Aid event in the Cooper Park when we had an idea to play tennis.

Making our way to the park’s tennis courts, we found the gate locked, but on it was a notice to call the community centre if we wanted to book a court. My friend called, and was told, "You wouldn’t be able to play tennis today, as you have to book in advance if you want to play on a Sunday." When my friend asked why this was the case, she was told: "Arrangements have to made in advance for someone to open the courts."

My friends and I were at first disappointed, and then astonished, that on such a beautiful, sunny day, we were not able to enjoy one of the park’s main attractions. Hundreds, maybe thousands of people were enjoying the Troop Aid event, and I imagine we were not the only ones keen to play tennis. We also noted that the pitch and putt, crazy golf and putting green were closed. The rowing boats and pedalos, however, had impressive queues of customers eager to part with their money.

I understand Moray Council is operating, as are many of us, on reduced funds and full-time manning of the Cooper Park’s leisure facilities is unrealistic. I do think, however, that money-making opportunities are being missed.

I imagine it would take very little imagination and planning to run these facilities, if not profitably, at least on a break-even basis.

Financial considerations aside, I cannot help but worry about two other things. What impression must visitors to the area have of Elgin’s principal public park? Great facilities waiting to be used, but not available.

Scotland is suffering an obesity epidemic. It is not enough for national and local government to encourage greater levels of physical activity; surely they have to provide easily accessible ways to do so. – Yours etc,

Blair Williamson,

10a Abbey Street, Elgin.