South Wales Evening Post - 10 April 2006
It is with increasing dismay and despondency that once again I hear the new athletics track at Sketty Lane may not be immediately available for the forthcoming season.
I recall being informed it would be ready by 2005, then an end-of-season date last year, then a February 2006 date. Alas, we have still to get to use the facility. This is another appalling incident that reflects badly on Swansea in supporting sporting achievement.
Also, it serves to reinforce the already tainted image of Swansea in the eyes of its rivals and the public. When asked by people outside Swansea about this new track situation, they mockingly laugh at the delay - that hurts!
If Swansea Harriers have to cancel fixtures again this season, as they had to do last season, major questions will be asked by rival clubs as to whether Swansea is going to be a viable venue to be considered at all for fixture events.
To date, fixtures have been cancelled. Home revenue volumes can be critical for a club's financial status. Also, competing on home ground, encouraged by the home crowd, with increased local interest inevitably has a positive effect on a club's performance and membership.
Having been associated with Swansea Harriers for several years, I have seen many potential athletes fall by the wayside mainly due to lack of inspiration. The acute lack of high-class facilities is the key attributable factor. Within the past five years age group members have declined sharply - maybe two or three athletes developing through to the under-20 level each year.
This dearth of athletes over the past five years will have a profound effect on Swansea Harriers' performance, especially regarding hone based athletes - an influence that may take a considerable time to reverse.
Please can someone assert their authority, judgement and intelligence to expedite a solution to this problem.
Jeff Cooze,Tregof Village, Swansea Vale
