OUTRAGED members of the public have hit out at a university’s decision to axe two squash courts from its sports facilities.

For many years the University of Essex has had a successful squash community, made up of both students and more than 100 public members.

Now, however, residents feel they are being forced out after two of the four remaining courts at the sports centre were closed without consultation.

David Huggon, a teacher who has played squash at the centre for three decades, said: “During lockdown the sports centre remained closed.

“A few months ago it opened up to staff and students, but public members were left a bit in the dark. Communication was not great.

“Finally, on August 1 we were allowed back, amidst great excitement.”

“Grand announcements were made about the facilities being offered in the new era, and we were all very eager to start playing sport again.”

But after returning, Mr Huggon said players were left disappointed to find out two of the four remaining courts had been axed.

He said no-one who used to courts had been consulted on the decision which had led to “outcry” amongst the public.

“Eventually, after much questioning, the specious reason given was the space was needed for the elite Sports Science course,” he said.

“This means that it is now going to be impossible on some evenings to get courts.

“The uni boasts of its relationship with the larger community of Colchester and offers ‘sport membership for all’. It has let us down very badly indeed on its grand promises.”

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Mark White, another squash player who uses the centre, added: “This entire process has happened with no consultation with public members or student and staff unions and boggles the mind given that their own website says ‘squash has been found to be the world’s healthiest sport’.

“Clearly they are not interested in letting their students playing it.”

A spokesman for the university said courts were still available for public use but availability would be limited at peak times.

He said: “We know our squash community will be disappointed and we are sorry for this, but we need more space for our academic activities, so have made a decision based on the spaces available to us.

“We tried to avoid reducing facilities but it simply wasn’t possible. “The former squash courts will be used by students on our sport and exercise science courses, which are extremely popular.We remain committed to developing our sports facilities and look forward to further investments in the future.”