Having read articles on pool cleanliness, parking problems and general public dissatisfaction with Basildon Sporting Village, one has to wonder whether the project was properly thought out. The race for completion was very evident.

The expected numbers of people due at the village have not yet materialised.

This may be a blessing as people are already complaining about the lack of parking spaces.

The football season will start in August and where, then, are the numerous parents and players going to park?

Kevin Blake, Basildon councillor for leisure and arts, says “there may be plans to build more spaces”. So how much more of Gloucester Park will be taken for this project?

I do not recall any additional provision in the master plan or for the Sporting Village itself. Will the public be consulted?

Some hope.

The requirements of the Sporting Village continue to erode green spaces and there is an ever-increasing cost for add-ons. Under what budget will the additional parking be provided, as we were distinctly told the £38million price tag would be the final total?

What is the actual capacity of the premises? We know the capacity of the council offices, so perhaps we should be told now about the Sporting Village (for health and safety purposes, of course).

Are the changing facilities and cleanliness compliant with the standards of the International Olympic Committee?

Considering the claims made by Mr Blake after his attendance at the Sporting Village, I wonder if he should have gone to Specsavers, as the rose-tinted spectacles he must wear prevent him seeing the problems.

Max Aitkins
Roosevelt Road
Laindon