There was an interesting missive from Andy Wood (Letters, February 24) regarding “silly letters”

and things being more important than cricket.

Actually, there are a number of people in Tendring who regard the 45 per cent hike in sports pitch hire costs as important.

Being involved in local rugby, cricket and football, I am amazed at the new charges that have apparently been agreed by local councillors.

For a Tendring club to simply use a rugby or football pitch from next April will cost them £60.35 each time they want to play.

If they would like somewhere to change, and possibly have a shower afterwards, it will be £70.50. A cricket pitch will set them back more than £80!

At a time when we are supposed to be encouraging young people to take exercise and play some sort of sport, I fail to see how this increase will help.

While having no particular political axe to grind, I do think councillor Pierre Oxley’s assertion at the time the figures were first announced that “some clubs will go to the wall” is fairly accurate.

So, in answer to Mr Wood, I suggest that we do increase the Tendring element of the council tax – currently only around £150 a year – and that we do move to fortnightly bin collections, especially if it would reduce the ridiculous increase that local sports clubs are now having to face.

Incidentally, I quite like the fountain in Clacton town centre as well!

Colin Garrod
Fixture Secretary
Clacton Rugby Club
Chairman, Clacton
Ramblers Cricket Club
Life Member, Essex &
Suffolk Border Football
League
Gainsford AvenueM
Clacton