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Big shots try to save threatened squash centre
THE BATTLE to save one of the UK's leading squash centres has received a massive boost from Sport England.
The organisation - responsible for developing sporting facilities in the UK - has lodged a six-page objection to controversial proposals to knock down the Lamb's Squash Club, Lamb's Passage, Finsbury, and build a block of flats there.
Clan Real Estates - which bought the club from ex-squash star Mike Corby for £4million - has submitted a revised planning application after the first was rejected back in May.
But the developers face strong opposition from more than 600 objectors, including the powerful voice of Sport England.
Sport England senior planning manager Peter Durrans said: "The loss of the nine-court Lambs Club would be thoroughly detrimental to Islington's sporting infrastructure and to the Government's aim of promoting a healthy lifestyle.
"Its closure, which could happen as early as February, would threaten London's reputation as the world capital of squash and a hub for the international squash scene."
And in another twist, calls have been made for Mike Corby to stand down from his role as president of England Squash.
Lamb's Action Team spokesman Ken Pottinger, who put the motion forward at England Squash's general meeting two weeks ago, said: "There is a real conflict of interest which needs to be recognised.
"On the one hand he is responsible for promoting squash and fighting to get squash recognised but on the other hand he has sold off one of the best facilities in the country to allow developers to turn it into flats."
But Mr Corby said that his decision was not motivated by personal financial gain but the need to pay off his debts.
"I would have loved to have not had to sell Lamb's but it was no longer financially viable.
"I have devoted my whole life to forwarding the cause of squash but I was forced to sell if I wanted to keep my other clubs going.
"The sale of Lamb's is one of the great shames of my life but I feel extremely hurt and angered by this vindictive campaign against me."
No comment was available from Clan Real Estates as the Gazette went to press.
jessica.rogers@archant.co.uk
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