There was great disappointment when plans to provide new sporting facilities for Blatchington Mill School were unexpectedly ditched by Brighton and Hove Council when the King Alfred redevelopment plan was accepted.

The gymnasium at BMS is antiquated and poses a real threat to the health of students who have managed to achieve county champion status in basketball over many years despite their terrible facilities.

Developing joints take a real beating when unsprung floors are pounded for hours on end. My son bears a permanent thigh-length scar from falling against a wire poking out from the gymnasium wall during a basketball match.

The gym accommodates the sporting requirements of more than 1,000 pupils at the school.

An evening meeting will be held at the school on Wednesday, October 18, when parents and other interested parties can voice their concerns and state their case for funding to council officials.

-Gail Greaves, Reigate Road, Brighton