Plans to kill off youth squash in Potters Bar have been shelved after Hertsmere Council unveiled proposals to build two new courts at the Furzefield Centre.
The future of the sport in the town had looked bleak when the council announced in March it was scrapping the existing courts to make way for an enlarged fitness gym prompting anger among many squash players. But the council's u-turn has sparked a renewed interest in squash in Potters Bar with international player Jago Nardelli ranked 84 in the world keen to help coach the town's youngsters.
Dave Richards, who runs Potters Bar Youth Squash, said: "I am just delighted that we can continue to provide a squash facility for the kids. We came runner-up in the under-13 Herts junior league and to have Paul Carter and Jago is brilliant.
"It's just a shame we have lost children due to the uncertainty over the courts."
It is hoped the opening of the new courts will be marked by exhibition matches involving some of the UK's best players. Paul Carter, currently one of England's coaches, will continue to coach his players at the Furzefield.
An original plan by three businessmen to buy Potters Squash Club, Mount Grace Road, was planned to compensate for the loss of the Furzefield courts but fell through. The building work on the new courts could be completed by the end of the year subject to planning.
July 9, 2002 11:30
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