I WANTED to write and voice my concerns about the proposed redevelopment of the existing leisure centre in Andover.

Rebuilding the centre on the existing site will, as has been acknowledged, cause significant disruption to the services provided to members and other users. Retaining the site in the town centre also means retaining the well-known issues with car parking.

It seems to make far more sense to build a new, larger facility on one of the industrial parks, before then closing the existing centre. This would provide a continuity of service and allow for better parking facilities at the new centre. Given the growth of Andover, it could sustain a second town centre site, perhaps with different facilities.

The town centre site could therefore be redeveloped once the new centre is opened.

In the 40 or 50 years since the centre’s opening, Andover has expanded significantly.

However, we have been left with a poorly designed sports centre that struggles to cope with demand.

The argument that the town centre location is an envious and convenient privilege is preposterous. Relatively few members / users live within walking distance of the sports centre. Most of us rely on our cars to get to and from the facilities and parking is a major issue. The location of the bus station is close to the centre, but it would not be difficult to establish bus routes that could comfortably deliver users of public transport to a centre on Walworth or Portway Industrial Estates, or the relatively new Andover Commercial Park adjacent to the A303.

I urge the council and new leisure operators to put on hold any planned commencement of work. Please enter into a new consultation with the people of Andover about what they would like to see for their new leisure centre.

Invite all existing members to a special general meeting to discuss the options. Think about the long-term future of this town, its residents and the facilities provided to them.

Please do this now, before a regrettable mistake is made.

Nigel Baxendale St Ann’s Close, Andover