Candidates Give Cautious Welcome To Reassurance On Fraserburgh Squash Courts

Fraserburgh SNP candidates Charles Buchan, Ricky Sheaffe-Greene and Brian Topping have given a cautious welcome to a commitment from Aberdeenshire Council to look at retaining the existing squash facilities in the town or making some other provision.

With the replacement of the Alexandra Terrace Community Centre and pool with the new and much larger facility in James Ramsay Park, public squash provision in Fraserburgh is set to disappear, as the new complex has no squash courts.

The SNP Council candidates have raised the issue, as, since the plans for the new complex were drawn up, the present courts have become much more popular, and they have received representations for the retention of squash courts in the town.

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson was approached for assistance and raised the issue with Aberdeenshire Council.  Mr Stevenson has received a response stating:

"In recognition of the fact, that there appears to be a resurgence in popularity of squash, the council is now exploring the technical and financial feasibility, or otherwise, of retaining existing squash facilities or making some other provision. At the same time we are exploring the long-term sustainability of this current interest in squash." 

Welcoming the commitment, Fraserburgh & District SNP candidate Charles Buchan said:

“This response from the Council is positive, and, in a way, encouraging, but is hedged about with conditions.

“It is clear that the present high usage levels must be maintained, or increased, to demonstrate long-term sustainability, and squash players must make their voices heard.”

Fellow SNP candidate Ricky Sheaffe-Greene added:

“Clearly, any resurgence in sport is to be welcomed and I hope that the support can be put in place to maintain this level of interest so that Fraserburgh can add to its range of sporting facilities it has to offer.”