A GREEN MSP is opposing plans for a tennis centre to mark the Murray family’s “legacy” – as the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has pledged £5 million towards it.
The LTA announced on Thursday that it would donate the funds towards construction of a multi-sport centre – including tennis, padel, and pickleball – at Park of Keir near Dunblane.
The project is being fronted by Judy Murray, who said it aims to "deliver a legacy for Scotland".
However, a local campaign group – Protect Park of Keir – is opposing the plans, saying it will be a development on a green belt site and that “there are already 59 tennis courts within a 15-mile radius of Park of Keir, the best served area in Scotland”.
READ MORE: Andy Murray honoured on Centre Court as he nears end of Wimbledon career
Speaking on BBC Scotland's Lunchtime Live on Friday, Green MSP Mark Ruskell also opposed the plans for the centre.
He said: "I think it's really important that there's an Andy Murray legacy, that's not in doubt, but I don't believe that the best way to deliver that is through building a private tennis resort that's on protected green belt land, that's inaccessible for most people in Scotland.
"We've already got tennis facilities in Dunblane and there's a national tennis centre just down the road at Stirling University.
"I'd like to see that Andy Murray legacy spread out to communities in Scotland that perhaps don't have tennis courts and facilities, that absolutely need it."
The LTA’s £5m offer is contingent on the local authority – Stirling Council – granting planning permission for the sports centre.
LTA chief executive Scott Lloyd said: “Judy and her family have made an enormous contribution to tennis in Scotland and across Britain. We’re proud to be supporting this project which will deliver both a tennis centre of national significance for Scotland, but also an important community facility for the people of Scotland.
"As Andy reaches the final stages of his playing career there are many ways in which British tennis will recognise his achievements and that of his family, but we believe this project will deliver a landmark facility for Dunblane and Scotland that will benefit, as part of Andy’s legacy, generations to come.”
Judy Murray said: “I’m delighted that the LTA has committed £5m of funding and support to the centre at Dunblane. This is a huge investment in Scottish tennis and community sport.
"I’ve been working closely with Scott Lloyd and the LTA over several years to bring the plans to fruition and we will continue to work in partnership to deliver a legacy for Scotland. We're now hopeful that our other partners will commit their support to this important and exciting project, and to invest in other community tennis facilities across the UK."
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