Finch Hill bowls and tennis clubs’ futures appear to have been secured for the long term, despite concerns the area may be developed under the Eastern Area Plan.

As previously reported, under the Area Plan, the site was to be designated as ’mixed use’.

However, Douglas Council’s executive committee agreed at a special meeting to discuss the Area Plan to seek to ensure the site is kept as a recreational ’open space’.

Leader of the council, David Christian, said: ’Members of the committee noted that what we have commented on, and we have been very clear on Finch Hill, we felt we have been listened to.’

He said the council wants to be included in further ongoing discussions surrounding the consultation of the Area Plan. The committee’s decision was welcomed unanimously by council members with several members voicing their support.

Councillor Debbie Pitts said: ’There was great concern over the future of the tennis courts, so I’m glad Finch Hill will be assured of its future in the long term.’

Councillor Elizabeth Quirk said she was ’very pleased’ the area will remain as a recreational space, noting the shortage of alternative sites in that part of the capital.

Mr Christian said he was concerned to hear from members of the clubs that an unnamed MHK had told them the site was to be developed and had the council’s backing.

Mr Christian restated it would not be developed and the council will not support any housing on the site.

Finch Hill Bowling Club competition secretary Ken Kinrade said the club is waiting for confirmation it will not be developed, but that the tennis club’s new long-term lease is a good sign.