The two squash courts at Flint Pavilion are due to close in November to make way for a new youth club.

But squash enthusiasts claim losing them would be tantamount to "sacrilege", and have accused council chiefs of "vandalism."

Mike Partridge, who has been playing squash at Flint for more than 30 years, said the Pavilion courts are the "Roll's Royce" of Flintshire's squash courts.

He claims alternative venues for the youth club haven't been fully explored by the council, and has vowed to fight the plans.

He said: "This isn't a dead duck by any means.

"There is a lot of strong feeling down at the squash courts and I'm not the only dissenting voice by any means.

"There are still questions that haven't been answered properly.

"For example, could an alternative venue for the youth club not have been found. And if it has to be at the squash courts, why must we lose both? Can't we keep one court?"

As we reported last month, Flint's new youth centre at the Pavilion will replace the Borough Grove youth club, which was forced to close after falling into a state of disrepair.

Rob Edwards, county youth and community officer for Flintshire Council, said: "A site within the Pavilion Leisure Centre in Flint has been identified as a suitable location for a new youth and community centre facility. This will require some alterations to the site, which include the conversion of the squash courts area to an activity hall.

"The new hall will be available to the youth service and to leisure-centre customers during specific hours.

"Officers from the council's leisure services team will be working to accommodate the requirements of squash players at other facilities within the county.

"The creation of a new youth centre within the town centre of Flint will provide a facility that is integrated with the neighbouring skate park, and will provide a service that is accessible to all young people living in Flint."

Mr Partridge added: "The council's action has no doubt been taken in good faith, and has been actioned by the undisputable need to provide youth centre accommodation in Flint.

"But it does seem strange that a facility that is available to both old and young alike for up to 12 hours a day, seven days a week, is to be replaced by a facility that is only available to one age group on a limited time basis.

"There must be an alternative venue for the much-needed youth centre which does not adversely affect the facilities available to the community as a whole."

Should the squash courts be saved?

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