Inverness climbing wall petition is signed by hundreds
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A petition to save High Life Highland’s (HLH) climbing wall has been signed by more than 1000 people since it was set up.
It came following the news that HLH is planning to close the facility at Inverness Leisure as new climbing facility The Ledge opens at the Telford Retail Park.
The petition was set up by Claire Sutherland and so far more than 1525 people have added their support.
Ms Sutherland said: “We, as a climbing community, feel deeply disappointed by the news.
“We feel that High Life Highland has made this decision without approaching or consulting the climbing community.
“This decision affects the customers who regularly use the wall and those who work there.
“This wall has been open for over 25 years and has faithfully served the climbing community, both seasoned climbers but also those new to climbing and trying it for the first time.
“The climbing wall provides children and young people the opportunity to discover climbing, to enjoy the challenges it brings and to overcome physical and mental barriers.
“At the moment, there is about a two year waiting list to join classes. Adult and children inductions are in high demand and we feel that two climbing walls would be better able to meet this demand than one.
“Closing the wall will not only impact the local climbing community but could potentially affect those wishing to try the sport for the first time, especially if there isn’t an affordable membership option at The Ledge, on which at the moment there is no information available.
“There is a big enough climbing community in the area to support two climbing walls.
“And should High Life Highland feel that the competition be too great, then perhaps a change of perspective is needed.
“Couldn’t The Ledge provide state of the art bouldering facilities while Inverness Leisure focus on developing a great climbing and leading facility?”
However, HLH last week said indoor climbing would continue when local charity The Ledge opens its new, state of the art climbing wall next month.
A spokesman said: "The new climbing facility will have areas for beginners and experts, a lead climbing wall, bouldering walls, an Olympic standard bouldering wall and a dedicated children’s area.
"The facility will also have a strength and conditioning area for those who want to include climbing related personal fitness in their training."
• For the petition see the Change website.
