I read with interest the letter in the Echo on April 24 referring to the new green gym and fitness trails at Poole Park and I agree with Mr Flemming that some areas benefit very much more with sports facilities than other areas.

I took this point up myself last year with regard to the council’s Spring into Action campaign and its extraordinary claim that we have “a whole range of health and fitness opportunities on our doorstep” (Poole News, March 2008).

As I said in an Echo letter at the time: “What sports facilities on our doorstep ?” If they exist in our area we have not seen them!

However, I am now pleased to say for all who enjoy sport and keeping themselves well and fit there is some very good news for all in Branksome and Parkstone.

A national fitness club chain is going to open a brand-new fitness club near Branksome roundabout later this year.

For the first time a large urban area which has never had any fitness clubs or fitness facilities will finally, like Poole park and Poole town areas, have its own fitness club.

Ron Curtis, Penn Hill Avenue, Parkstone