Trevor Lea makes a rather tendentious response to the recent article about Alexandra Courts (August 14).

Writing from another part of Oxford, he seems unfamiliar with this area. Port Meadow, though wonderful, is not within reach of people working in Summertown who want to grab a lunchtime sandwich. The same is true for families with small children, who can often be seen picnicking inside the playground area. Not ideal.

Demand for tennis could be met with fewer courts. The existing courts are mostly under-used. Residents of all ages could certainly benefit from more open space. Space to kick a ball around would lead to more physical activity, not less. Dogs and owners alike would enjoy not being restricted to narrow paths between high fences.

The question of opening times and public access to the tennis courts is a slightly different one, though Mr Lea does acknowledge that they are locked for much of the year. Indeed, part of the grass is not laid out for tennis, so that bit of grass is fenced in, usually locked, and not actually used for anything at all. This can’t be a good use of a public amenity. Regarding Mr Goodall’s opposition to the council selling the courts: me too.

No one, as far as I’m aware, has suggested this.

Cllr Andrew Gant Liberal Democrat City Councillor for Summertown Middle Way Summertown

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