Critics record "dismay" after controversial Park of Keir tennis project given £5million funding boost

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Critics of Judy Murray’s controversial Park of Keir development have reacted with “dismay” at news that the proposed tennis and sports centre is to receive £5million in funding from the Lawn Tennis Association.The multi-million pound project between Dunblane and Bridge of Allan would deliver a multi-sport site including outdoor tennis courts, outdoor padel courts, indoor tennis courts, pickleball courts, a multisport hall, multi-use games area, gym, and cafe.The Park of Keir partners say the intention is that the community centre becomes a flagship tennis venue in Scotland, which can act as a home for competition and player training alongside Judy’s programme to encourage greater participation in sport and build a workforce of community coaches.The building would also recognise the achievements of two-time Wimbledon champion Sir Andy and the Murray family and their contribution to tennis in Scotland and Britain.The LTA say the funding is agreed subject to the centre receiving the latest necessary planning approvals from Stirling Council later this year but stands alongside work to refurbish 175 tennis courts in Scottish public parks, as well as further investment in public tennis facilities across Britain.Local politicians, however, are among those continuing to argue against Park of Keir as a site for the Murray project.Bridge of Allan resident and local Scottish Conservative MSP, Alexander Stewart this week expressed “dismay” at the LTA’s £5million pledge and said he had written to SNP ministers highlighting the apprecation of local communities for the greenbelt landscape, native plants, woodland and wildlife.He has also requested that no more extensions be granted and that the entire project’s application be rejected