Dear 'Save The Sobell Sports Hall Supporters', As you will see from the following article in today’s Islington Tribune, local MP Jeremy Corbyn has also urged Islington Council to ‎think again before pressing ahead with their controversial trampoline park proposals: ‎ http://islingtontribune.com/article/corbyn-urges-trampoline-park-rethink Mr Corbyn is clearly as concerned as we are about losing these Olympic standard sports facilities in this well loved community sports hall, to a recreational trampoline attraction incorporating a ‘slush puppy concession’ and birthday party entertainment rooms. The Tribune article wrongly states however that the most of the 500 footballers that have been turfed out of the Sobell are now playing at Holloway School Hall. As we have said all along, due to its concrete floor with non-slip Gymflex lino stuck on top, this is not a comparable venue for playing competitive adult football. Apart from offering no cushioning or shock absorption, its ultra, non-slip surface makes playing football positively hazardous. We have unfortunately already had one player suffering serious knee damage, as well as more minor knee and ankle sprains. Most football groups have refused to play there, but with no other local alternative, some groups are now beginning to disband. There is also discontent escalating amongst local residents about the likely impact on street parking, for which no highways impact assessment has been undertaken. Because a trampoline park and an indoor sports centre fall within the same planning use class and because all the building works are internal, there has been no requirement for GLL to submit these proposals to the Islington Planning Officers for proper scrutiny. This parking problem will only be made worst with the recent abolition of the coin operated ticket machines from the Sobell car park, with mobile phone and debit / credit cards now being the only form of payment accepted. The minimum charge has also increased from £1.00 to £1.60 per hour. It is patently obvious that this form of payment will make it even less likely that Sobell customers, or parents dropping off and then picking up their children from trampoline park birthday parties, will use the Sobell car park. As with many things connected with this project, such as originally designing the dividing wall so Court 3 could not be safely used, this does not appear to have been properly thought out. As was promised by GLL with the knowledge of Islington Council, prior consultation should have been held with Sobell customers and local residents prior to the decision being taken to proceed. As Mr Corbyn says – “I’m not opposed to people using trampolines but I just think: Think about the good of having a good sports facility there”. John Barber NB - if the link does not work, try here instead: http://islingtontribune.com