99-Year-Old Actor Threatens to “Chain Myself” to Wimbledon Over Expansion Plans
Thelma Ruby, a 99-year-old actor living near Wimbledon, has vowed to take drastic action to protest plans to build 39 new tennis courts at the All England Club. Speaking at a public meeting organized by Save Wimbledon Park, Ruby expressed her concerns about the environmental impact of the proposed expansion. She stated that the construction of new courts would lead to the loss of green spaces, the cutting down of trees, and an increase in pollution from construction vehicles passing by her window.
The All England Club argues that the new courts are necessary to maintain Wimbledon’s status as a top-tier tennis tournament. However, residents and environmental groups have pushed back, emphasizing the potential harm to the local environment. The decision on the plans will be made by Jules Pipe, the deputy mayor of London, after Mayor Sadiq Khan recused himself due to his previous public support for the expansion.
Despite challenges, opponents of the expansion remain committed to their cause. Liberal Democrat MP Paul Kohler and Christopher Coombe of Save Wimbledon Park highlighted the possibility of legal action to challenge the plans. They pointed to a previous successful legal battle in Shrewsbury as a precedent for fighting against the construction of new facilities on protected green spaces.
As the decision date approaches, tensions are rising between supporters and critics of the Wimbledon expansion. With strong opposition from local residents and environmental advocates, the outcome remains uncertain. As Ruby pledged to take a stand against the plans, the fate of the proposed tennis court development hangs in the balance.
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