A chance to give your view

7:24am Tuesday 13th May 2008

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It is understandable that elderly neighbours are wary about plans to modernise the Alexandra tennis courts in North Oxford.

They fear private developers will turn the 14 grass and six hard courts near their homes into a mini sports centre, creating noise and disturbance.

Although Oxford City Council has apparently been pressing Wildwood Leisure to sign on the dotted line, it has sensibly decided to step back and take another look at this proposal.

The council has been toying with the idea of bringing in the firm because the courts have been making a loss.

With council finances in such a delicate state, it is clear that something has to be done.

But the worries being expressed by residents suggest that more consultation is needed.

Some residents will no doubt question why the council always takes the easy way out to cut its losses - by bringing in private concerns - rather than try to make a go of it itself.

Meanwhile, a public meeting is planned, and residents would do well to attend it so that the council is left in no doubt about the strength of feeling.