Parents' concern for children's mental health grows as Bedford Athletic Stadium is still not fully reopened

A concerned group of parents and coaches have called for Fusion Lifestyle to fully reopen Bedford International Athletics Stadium in the hope it will help their children's wellbeing.

In a statement, they said: "Our children are members of Bedford and County Athletics Club (BCAC). It is a vibrant and culturally diverse athletics club with more than 350 junior members.

"The club currently has athletes ranked number one in the UK and holders of national titles who have represented both England and team GB. Local authorities should be embracing and promoting this to bring in new athletes and support the future of this club - that is already steeped in history and pivotal to the community."

Limited access has been provided over the summer - but the stadium has not yet fully reopened. Earlier this week, Bedford Today revealed how Fusion Lifestyle, which runs the facility, has only just reopened Robinson Pool after the Covid closureThe statement went on: "We cannot stress enough how important access to the training facilities has been to the physical, emotional and mental wellbeing of our children and all athletes at BCAC. The ability to meet, communicate and train with their friends has been absolutely, crucial over the last few months.

"However, the facility has not yet fully re-opened. We fully sympathise with the challenges that Fusion Lifestyle are facing. After several months of negotiations between BCAC, Bedford Borough Council and Fusion Lifestyle, athletes still do not even have access to the track toilet facilities. This severely reduces the time that each group of athletes can train.

"In addition, the high jump and pole vault mats have been unavailable all summer yet are available at other facilities in adjacent counties."

And they were also concerned that with winter coming, athletes will not be able to train without access to the floodlights or toilets.

"This will affect the athletes physical and mental well-being," the statement added.

Martyn Blackwell, chairman of BCAC, said: "We have been very grateful for the cooperation of both the council and Fusion in allowing us access to the facilities over recent months. It has been of great benefit to our athletes, coaches and members. We are continuing to work with all parties to facilitate continued access over the coming months including the use of floodlights, toilets and indoor facilities."

A spokesman for Fusion Lifestyle said: "Bedford International Athletics Stadium is open to a small number of local clubs so they can train. At this time we are unable to give a date for the broader opening of the facilities but we are working closely with Bedford Borough Council on this."

When questioned about the children's mental health and wellbeing, the spokesman added: "Fusion Lifestyle promotes the use and benefits of regular exercise for positive mental health. Whilst customers may be affected by their current leisure facility being closed we can offer support of transferring/permitting use of their membership to Robinson Pools and Fitness."