SPORT for all could become a thing of the past in the Medway area, the local sports council have warned.

They predict a shortfall of 39 football pitches and 22 tennis courts by the year 2016, if the present erosion continues.

Council chairman Mark Agate went so far as to paint a grim scenario of three games being played on the same pitch on the same day.

The shortfall was forecast by Medway Council consultant Don Stewart, who said that an average of three extra pitches and two tennis courts must be supplied each year from now on.

Mr Stewart described 41 per cent of the authority’s facilities for outdoor sport as being in “very poor” condition. Mr Agate said: “At present we are 17 pitches down which is horrendous.

“At this rate we could see three games being played on the same pitch on the same day.”

Mr Agate also expressed concern at new plans for a school on the Oswald Short Playing Field, which had been let on a long-term lease to an overseas company.

In that time it was sub-let to Riverside Football Club. The expanding Real 60 FC, now running 14 teams, are seeking to centralise facilities there along with the present use of Borsal Rec.

The field was donated for recreational use and Mr Agate asked what power Medway Council has to vary this. Urgent discussions are taking place within Medway Council.

The sports council also expressed concern that pitches at Beechings Green might be affected if a proposed skate board park went ahead.

President Colin Boswell and Mr Agate spoke of the lack of communication between Medway Council and the Kent County Football Association following urgent identification of specific projects at around Medway.

This included the upgrading of car parking and security lighting totalling £3million. The Football Foundation are to consider 65 per cent grant aid.

The short-term notice given to Chatham Riverside Indoor Bowls Centre is to be investigated as are the reasons why only 50 per cent rate relief is being offered to local vlountary sport organisations when the Government have passed a Bill enabling 80 per cent to be given.