Scandal as Council plans to scrap free tennis courts before debate at Full Council
Just over one week after a residents’ petition was presented to Bedford Borough Council, Bedford Borough Council and the Lawn Tennis Association are planning to scrap free, turn-up-and-play tennis courts in Bedford Park before a debate at Full Council has even taken place.
Ward Councillors submitted a petition on Wednesday 7th February, but were told on Tuesday this week (13th February) that work will be going ahead before the debate on the petition has even taken place!
They are concerned that if work starts, it will make any adaptation of the plans impossible and have called on the Conservative minority administration to delay the work instead of deliberately ignoring residents’ concerns.
Local Councillor, Henry Vann, who submitted the petition, said “For the minority Conservative administration to commit vandalism whilst a residents’ outstanding petition has not even been heard is scandalous. They can only be deliberately trying to start the works so that saving free tennis is impossible. They must stop, now.”
Cllr David Sawyer added “I re-read the Mayor’s manifesto and - whilst he was elected with less than a third of the vote - nowhere does he say scrapping free tennis is a priority. He must put a stop to the works now, until Full Council has had its say and he guarantees free turn-up-to-play courts.”