'Padel has pushed out roller-skating community'

Hundreds of people in north-east London have signed a petition against a padel court built on an area usually used for roller-skating and basketball.

Leo, 16, and Noah, 15, both from Southend, regularly travelled to Bethnal Green Gardens to roller-skate, and said they were "heartbroken" the court had been introduced in an area they often used.

Lillie Almond is also involved in the petition, which has more than 2,300 signatures. She said it was important for people to have an area they could exercise in for free.

Tower Hamlets Council said there were a mix of free and paid sessions available for the court, which was on trial.

Padel is a cross between tennis and squash and is regarded as the fastest-growing sport in the world thanks to its popularity with sports stars, actors, singers and social media influencers.

Leo said he had been travelling to the park for years to skate.

He said it had been a place for young people to use instead of roller-skating in shopping centres and car parks.

"[Skating] is so much better in London because it's a massive city with thousands of skaters skating every day," he said.

"They just put a massive padel court where our one spot is to get away from all this trouble.

"So we're back to car parks and back to Westfield, where we get told off by police."

Noah said skating in Bethnal Green Gardens gave him "freedom".

"It means a lot to me as I grew up skating here," he said.

"There's other spaces, but they're not really as good and popular as this space here."

Jamie Simon from east London said the padel court was a facility for two to four people at any one time.

"We probably get about 30 skaters in that space," he said.

Simon also questioned the fee of £24 for one hour of use.

"Which person around here who's in social housing is going to be thinking, 'Oh, do you know what? I'm going to go and spend £24 for an hour to play in a park where I could usually be there for free'?" he said.

Almond, who is supporting the petition, added: "Gym memberships are expensive.

"So many activities cost an arm and a leg to learn to do.

"While everything's getting more and more expensive, wages are not rising.

"To have a space where you can come and chill for free - I can't even put into words just how important that is."

A spokesperson for Tower Hamlets Council said the court trial had "proved popular and matches the increasing demand for the sport among residents and schools".

"We also value our skating community which is why we have dedicated skate parks in Mile End and Victoria Park," they said.

"We appreciate people will have different views, which is exactly why we are listening as part of our consultation."

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