THE squash courts at Great Sankey Leisure Centre face closure.

They are set to be replaced by gym facilities - leaving west Warrington with no public squash facilities.

Whittle Hall councillor Judith Wheeler is meeting with staff from Golden Gates' leisure services next Friday to discuss the issue.

"There's a club of about 60 players who use the courts," said Clr Wheeler.

"Some of them are older people and I think it's wonderful that they still play.

"They are a nice group of people and I think it would be a great shame if the courts were taken away.

"I think it seems unfair on them. I don't think one sport should be marginalised at the expense of another."

The squash facilities at the Barrowhall Lane leisure centre are used by the Jet Club, a club which plays socially but not in a league.

Clr Wheeler hopes an agreement can be reached at next Friday's meeting where 'one or two' of the courts can be retained.

She added: "I want to find out where the demand for more gym facilities is coming from."

If all three courts closed, the nearest facilities would be Golden Gates leisure centres at Fordton in Orford and Broomfields in Appleton.

The nearest private facilities are three championship squash courts at the David Lloyd Centre on Cromwell Avenue.

sbailey@guardiangrp.co.uk