RE: Little Marlow running track – “We need a track, not a hotel, at sports centre” (Letters, last week).
THE answer to Sarah Bedford’s question as to why the running track cannot be retained at the current Handy Cross site was explained at public exhibitions held in November 2011 and April 2012. The land on which the running track sits is required so that the new sports and leisure centre can be constructed alongside the existing one, which would continue operating until the new one is ready.
There are advantages to relocating the track. It is currently a six-lane track and due to its exposed location (wind and noise), cannot be used for regional competitions. Plus by taking parking associated with the running track away from Handy Cross, it will remove any conflict with events at the new sports and leisure centre.
As for the other proposed uses, there are hotel operators showing interest, along with a quality foodstore. Both are essential to create an “eat well, exercise well, work well” sense of place that will attract major employers to the (consented) offices, bringing new jobs to the town.
The running clubs and schools that use the current track are very supportive of the proposed relocation to Little Marlow.
Cllr Arif Hussain, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Property Services and Economic Development Wycombe District Council
