Basketball’s governing body in Scotland has claimed it is “unrealistic” to expect clubs in Dundee to meet increasing costs of a new community facility.
Basketball Scotland hit out at confirmation fees at the new £13 million Menzieshill Community Hub will more than double from April.
Sports clubs will have to pay £34 per hour, compared to the current rate of £13.50, to rent out either of the centre’s halls.
Madsons Basketball and Discovery Netball are among the clubs set to be impacted by the rises.
A spokesperson from Basketball Scotland said: “We are disappointed that there is no consultation planned, as previously promised, to determine the impact on clubs and communities when the new pricing model comes into force.
“Effectively, the community users have been given an additional six months for the sport users or the clubs to find 152% an hour increase in hall hire fees.
“In an economically disadvantaged area, we are concerned as to where the council believe the users can find this extra finance on a weekly basis.
“Increasing household incomes within a whole community in a short space of time is difficult and, in this case, unrealistic.”
It has been claimed children and coaches at the two clubs were “silenced” after arriving at a meeting of the policy and resources committee on Monday with the hope of speaking about the spike in costs.
The centre is being transferred to the management of Leisure and Culture Dundee meaning prices must be brought in line with what they charge in other facilities.
Councillor Michael Marra had sought to have this halted pending a consultation with the local clubs.
Councillors however voted 15 to 12 against the suspending the Standing Order, meaning the topic could not be discussed and the prices will come into effect, as planned, on April 1.
The vote meant coaches were not given the chance to speak.
Mr Marra said: “I’m appalled that all the SNP councillors in Dundee voted to silence local people.
“Sports clubs face 100% to 500% increases in hall costs. Young people in their sports kit and dedicated volunteer coaches sent home, ignored with their clubs facing ruin.
“They arrived at City Square ready to speak but I told them they wouldn’t be able to. They fear for the future because of the increases.”
Council leader and convener of the committee John Alexander said the issue should not be discussed as the increases had already been agreed.
He previously acknowledged the changes are “far from ideal” but said the cost of the new building must be met.
The building is made up of multi-use community facilities built over two storeys.
This includes two sports halls, a library, a community centre with multi-purpose rooms and areas, as well as a café.
