The Fair City Rollers, Perth’s beloved roller derby team, have expressed deep disappointment and anger at the proposed changes to Bell’s Sports Centre. The council’s plan to transform the facility into an unheated space has been met with fierce resistance from the team, who describe the proposal as deeply unfair and detrimental to the local community.
The Rollers highlight the significant impact the centre’s closure, following flood damage, has already had on their club. Prior to the closure, they boasted a strong membership of nearly 50 enthusiastic athletes. However, the lack of suitable alternative training venues in Perth has led to a dramatic decline in participation, leaving them with a mere fraction of their original numbers. The team points to the inadequacy of temporary facilities at Perth Grammar School and Perth High School, which lack the space and quality of Bell’s. A Blow to Perth’s Sporting Spirit
The Rollers’ concerns extend beyond their own club. They emphasise the broader negative impact the proposed changes will have on Perth’s vibrant sporting landscape. They are not alone in their opposition. The team highlights a growing chorus of voices across Perth’s sports community who are rallying against the council’s vision for Bell’s. A community petition to restore the facility to its previous state has already gained thousands of signatures. This significant support underlines the widespread concern about losing this valuable community asset.
The council’s current plan, which involves converting Bell’s into a basic, unheated facility, is considered by many to be unacceptable. The city’s sporting community deserves better. They insist that the facility, with its versatility and large, high-quality floor space, plays a vital role in maintaining Perth’s reputation as a dynamic centre for sporting excellence. The Rollers argue that the potential financial implications of the repair work are minimal compared to the invaluable contribution Bell’s makes to physical activity and community cohesion. The potential loss of such a valuable asset is perceived as a significant setback for Perth. Accessibility and Inclusivity Under Threat
The Fair City Rollers, known for their inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, also raise serious concerns about the effect of the council’s plan on vulnerable members of the community. The proposed unheated space, particularly during the colder months, poses major challenges for elderly athletes, women, and athletes with disabilities. They emphasize that their team embraces inclusivity and actively encourages participation across age ranges and abilities; indeed, the average age of their members falls between 30 and 55 years old. Many would be completely unable to utilize this proposed new space.
The team’s concerns resonate with the recent criticism of Perth and Kinross Council’s and Live Active Leisure’s leisure centre plans. The lack of suitable facilities, especially for groups that require a well-maintained indoor space, threatens to undermine the city’s commitment to inclusivity and equal access to sport. The council’s plan runs counter to its stated aims of promoting health and well-being for all residents. The Rollers argue that providing adequate, heated indoor facilities is crucial for supporting the needs of a diverse sporting population.
The Fair City Rollers urge the Perth and Kinross Council to reconsider its decision. They believe that restoring Bell’s Sports Centre to its previous state would be a far more prudent and inclusive approach. They highlight the potential for a fully operational, well-maintained facility to continue supporting the needs of the diverse sporting community it previously served, rather than the limitations of the council’s current proposals. The team stresses that the long-term benefits of a fully functional sports centre far surpass the immediate costs of renovation. With the council’s decision expected in June, the Rollers and the wider sporting community are gearing up for a final push for a more positive resolution, emphasizing that the financial implications of repair far outweigh the loss of a cherished community asset. A Call for Action
The council’s decision in June will greatly affect not only the Fair City Rollers but also the entire sporting landscape of Perth. The community is waiting to see whether the council will choose to support its diverse and passionate sports community, or allow this crucial facility to be drastically reduced and under-utilized.
The Rollers, alongside other concerned groups, have voiced their hope that the council will prioritize the restoration of Bell’s, ensuring that a vital element of Perth’s sporting heritage and community spirit is preserved for years to come. The long-term health and well-being of Perth and Kinross residents hang in the balance.
The Rollers highlight the significant impact the centre’s closure, following flood damage, has already had on their club. Prior to the closure, they boasted a strong membership of nearly 50 enthusiastic athletes. However, the lack of suitable alternative training venues in Perth has led to a dramatic decline in participation, leaving them with a mere fraction of their original numbers. The team points to the inadequacy of temporary facilities at Perth Grammar School and Perth High School, which lack the space and quality of Bell’s. A Blow to Perth’s Sporting Spirit
The Rollers’ concerns extend beyond their own club. They emphasise the broader negative impact the proposed changes will have on Perth’s vibrant sporting landscape. They are not alone in their opposition. The team highlights a growing chorus of voices across Perth’s sports community who are rallying against the council’s vision for Bell’s. A community petition to restore the facility to its previous state has already gained thousands of signatures. This significant support underlines the widespread concern about losing this valuable community asset.
The council’s current plan, which involves converting Bell’s into a basic, unheated facility, is considered by many to be unacceptable. The city’s sporting community deserves better. They insist that the facility, with its versatility and large, high-quality floor space, plays a vital role in maintaining Perth’s reputation as a dynamic centre for sporting excellence. The Rollers argue that the potential financial implications of the repair work are minimal compared to the invaluable contribution Bell’s makes to physical activity and community cohesion. The potential loss of such a valuable asset is perceived as a significant setback for Perth. Accessibility and Inclusivity Under Threat
The Fair City Rollers, known for their inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, also raise serious concerns about the effect of the council’s plan on vulnerable members of the community. The proposed unheated space, particularly during the colder months, poses major challenges for elderly athletes, women, and athletes with disabilities. They emphasize that their team embraces inclusivity and actively encourages participation across age ranges and abilities; indeed, the average age of their members falls between 30 and 55 years old. Many would be completely unable to utilize this proposed new space.
The team’s concerns resonate with the recent criticism of Perth and Kinross Council’s and Live Active Leisure’s leisure centre plans. The lack of suitable facilities, especially for groups that require a well-maintained indoor space, threatens to undermine the city’s commitment to inclusivity and equal access to sport. The council’s plan runs counter to its stated aims of promoting health and well-being for all residents. The Rollers argue that providing adequate, heated indoor facilities is crucial for supporting the needs of a diverse sporting population.
The Fair City Rollers urge the Perth and Kinross Council to reconsider its decision. They believe that restoring Bell’s Sports Centre to its previous state would be a far more prudent and inclusive approach. They highlight the potential for a fully operational, well-maintained facility to continue supporting the needs of the diverse sporting community it previously served, rather than the limitations of the council’s current proposals. The team stresses that the long-term benefits of a fully functional sports centre far surpass the immediate costs of renovation. With the council’s decision expected in June, the Rollers and the wider sporting community are gearing up for a final push for a more positive resolution, emphasizing that the financial implications of repair far outweigh the loss of a cherished community asset. A Call for Action
The council’s decision in June will greatly affect not only the Fair City Rollers but also the entire sporting landscape of Perth. The community is waiting to see whether the council will choose to support its diverse and passionate sports community, or allow this crucial facility to be drastically reduced and under-utilized.
The Rollers, alongside other concerned groups, have voiced their hope that the council will prioritize the restoration of Bell’s, ensuring that a vital element of Perth’s sporting heritage and community spirit is preserved for years to come. The long-term health and well-being of Perth and Kinross residents hang in the balance.