Coach voices fears over stadium plan

Published on Thursday 18 September 2008 10:11

A PROMINENT gymnastics coach has voiced strong concern about facilities for her sport if the city council proceeds with its plan to downsize Meadowbank.

Nicola Fielding has coached for a number of years at Meadowbank, which is home to three gymnastic clubs and is where hundreds of youngsters take part in the sport every week.

She said: "The equipment is not the best but I have still been able to turn out national champions.

"At the moment we have a dedicated hall in Meadowbank. That's great because it is a sealed facility. All equipment is readily available and it's easy for officials to look after children in their care.

"The same can't be said for multi-use facilities, which is what the council propose to introduce. They want one sports hall with different sports separated by curtains. That means young gymnasts would share the same hall with other sports such as badminton and five-a-side football."

Save Meadowbank spokesman Kevin Connor commented: "Those who use Meadowbank know what is proposed simply won't work for their sport. We have had complaints from athletics, cycling, squash, badminton, football, hockey and now gymnastics. The list goes on. It's high time the council listen to what people are saying."