Tamworth reader James Cox has eight reasons why he objects to the redeveopment of the Scully Park ovals.
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I AM WRITING to object to the proposed development of Scully No. 1 and 2 ovals by West Tamworth League Club.
My reasons are as follows:
1. The members voluntarily built No. 1 for the sole purpose of furthering the interests of sport. Those members spent countless hours in building the oval in accordance with the club’s constitution, which mandated this requirement.
2. Currently, the seating at No. 1 caters for approximately 2000 people, with a further 300 from the club balconies. Under the new proposal, seating will be reduced to a mere 700.
3. There has been a questionable claim. According to the minutes of a meeting on July 5 at Tamworth Regional Council, the developer said “Scully No.2 would be used for major sporting events and concerts and would accommodate up to 8000 people”. This is disputable. The actual area of the oval would accommodate 2000-2500 and, even at this number, be very uncomfortable.
4. The proposed grandstand is not a stadium. In wet weather, the majority of people seated there will be drenched. The same goes for the proposed standing area along Belmore St.
5. The playing area of No.2 will not allow big games of rugby league to be played there. The set back arrangements between the dead ball line and the fence that adjoins Scully Pool and between the sideline and Belmore St are grossly insufficient and will not be adequate for major games of sport.
6. There are no training or warm-up area for players.
7. As members of the club, we have a legal right to ensure the ideals of sports promotion, encouragement and advancement in the future are not
overlooked or jeopardised by commercial interest.
8. The proposed cost of both developments is worrying. The club will have to obtain a loan for the staggering sum of $14 million.
Council and club members should request the board revisit the original proposal for the motel to be built on the corner of Phillip and Kent Sts.
This is the only way of safeguarding the best interests of sport in the future.