AMBITIOUS plans to install state-of-the-art basketball courts at Malvern’s Victoria Park were due to go before the council last night (Tuesday).
Basketball enthusiasts and Malvern residents Tom Bennett and Jon May were formally unveiling their ideas to Malvern Town Council in a bid to develop a brand new basketball hub for the town.
The group launched the ‘Malvern Hoops’ campaign last year because interest for the sport in the town was ‘high’ and the group has since been boosted by the news that the Worcester Wolves Basketball Club and University of Worcester have both pledged their support to bringing better basketball facilities to the area.
Wolves’ director and the university’s deputy pro vice chancellor Mick Donovan has already assisted the duo with research and guidance while team captain Marek Klassen recorded a video on the importance of grassroots basketball for them.
Mr Bennett said: “It’s fantastic to have Worcester Wolves and the University of Worcester on board as they have helped us get in touch with UK basketball governing bodies who advised us on the courts and strategy building.
“Worcester Wolves have a huge fan base and through them we have managed to engage with more people who were not aware of our campaign.
“Not only do we want to get good basketball facilities at Victoria Park but it’s about improving the place as a whole.
“If basketball, tennis and football all have their own areas alongside the skate park, it will make the place a much more attractive place to go to.”
Currently there are basketball courts at Victoria Park, Malvern Cube, Dukes Meadow and Poolbrook but campaigners say they are in poor condition and some had been targeted by vandals over many years. Currently, basketballers share space with other sports including football.
The pair, who are part of the Malvern Hills Buzzards team, say it is their dream to give the community a brand new outdoor facility which would be used by generations to come.
Mr Bennett added: “It’s terribly important to get the proposals passed as the basketball courts need plenty of restoration and improvement and this will be the key to generating more interest in the sport in the area.
“We would have a huge feeling of pride if we could get something sorted.”
For more information on the campaign visit the Malvern Hoops website at www.malvernhoops.co.uk.
* What do you think about the proposals? Would you like to see more areas put aside for basketball? Are there any other sports you feel are not catered for in Malvern? Send us your views to [email protected] or write to us at the address on the letters page.
