SQUASH players say it is “make or break” for the future of their club after plans to shut courts were revealed.

Epping Squash Club has been training from four courts in Epping Leisure Centre, in Hemnall Street, since 1972 - but its future now hangs in the balance.

Places for People were awarded the contract by Epping Forest District Council, which started on April 1.

It now plans to turn two of the courts into aerobic rooms and means the club will no longer be able to play tournaments.

Graham Hayden, the club’s chairman, said: “The club will go into decline really quickly if these courts go. It’s make or break.

“They are only interested in maximising the most space to make the most money.

“We have both club players and non-club players who are all going to lose out.

“It will be so squeezed in there.”

On their website, Places for People state that “providing new leisure centres is crucial to increasing participation in physical activity.”

But Peter Gedling, Epping Squash Club secretary, disagrees with this.

He said: “The current management have a business plan and they intend to stick to it. All they want is to make money.

“More than 30 years ago, the sports centre was run by the council and it was for local residents. But now it’s run by leisure companies, and they are not interested in all round sports.

“I have been in the private sector all my life. Businesses see a profitable area and go for it.

“I have been on the Places for People website, and their description is not what they are doing.”

The club say they will also struggle to find somewhere to let their youth teams train on a Saturday morning if the courts close.

Mr Gedling added: “They are not interested in local residents. They have put forward very ambitious plans to attract members, but we do not see where they are going to get them from.”

The bar area will be converted into a spinning room, meaning the club will struggle to look after its away players or provide lunch.

David Jolliffe, the area manager at Places for People, said: “Although two of the four squash courts will be closed, the club has been given extra hours.

“In partnership with Epping Forest District Council, investment at Epping Sports Centre has been planned to increase accessibility and participation for all members of the community.

“Reconfiguration of the sports centre will provide a larger fit for purpose fitness suite and two new studios as well as maintaining good squash facilities.

“Catering has not been commercially viable due to the large number of catering outlets in Epping High Street and was removed by the previous contractor some years ago.

“We are in discussion with the club to provide alternative arrangements for match day meals.”