Jamie’s criticism‘arrogant and flippant’
Jamie Murray insists the Scottish Government have given his mum all she deserves by approving the controversial scheme.
The world number four doubles star has controversially claimed critics of the £37.5 million plan are older neighbours who simply do not want change.
Jamie was reacting to news of the decision in Flushing Meadows, New York, where he is taking part in the US Open men’s doubles event.
The 31-year-old said:“It’s great news and about time. It’s going to be a great for Scottish tennis, as well as the local community.
“I’m really happy for my mum. Four and a half years of work have gone into it and she is finally getting her reward.
“We went out for dinner last night just to celebrate a little bit. She’s really happy, as she should be.
“It has always been her dream to have a base to work out of and it’s a perfect set-up for that.
“They’ll do an amazing job with it and it’s a great step to creating a legacy, not just for what me and Andy have done in tennis but for what my mum has also achieved with coaching and getting kids into tennis.”
His criticism of those who fought against the scheme is set to rankle opponents who have long been opposed to what they see as an executive housing development by stealth.
They also insist the centre will be the first stage of a process that will erode green belt and join the two communities together.
The tennis ace shrugged off fears the approval could tarnish relations between his family and a community that has cherished their sporting achievements.
He said:“There are very few people opposed but the people who complain are the loudest.
“In Dunblane minimal people are opposing it. It’s maybe more in Bridge of Allan, older people who don’t want change.
“There are very few who aren’t in favour but they make a lot of noise.
“They’re worried about green belt. I’ve lived there 30 years and there has never been anything grown on there. The whole of Scotland is green belt. Most of the local community, especially in Dunblane, is behind it.”
He added:“I’m sure I will have a role. I don’t know exactly what.
“My tennis career won’t go on forever and I’d like to help my mum make it as much of a success as possible.”
Dunblane resident Dave Cantwell, who has asked the First Minister to explain the decision at a public meeting in the area, said Jamie Murray’s “arrogant and flippant”comments had incensed people there even more.
“This is a comment from an estranged Scot who has lived most of his adult life in England, where his brother lives, and shortly, I believe, his mother also will be resident there.‘‘