SNOOKER players who use facilities at Huddersfield Town’s Canalside complex say they haven’t been properly consulted over changes.

The management committee at the former Syngenta club in Leeds Road have removed two of the club’s eight snooker tables.

The move is part of a planned extension which will see the function room increased in size.

Town took over the club 18 months ago pledging not to change facilities used by existing groups for at least 15 years.

Snooker veterans, who play in the Huddersfield Snooker League, say that the loss of two tables will put pressure on the remaining tables and lead to queues. They also say that there have been changes to charges and at one point they were refused access to the tables until 9am, two hours later than before.

Veterans’ spokesman Mervyn Williams, 78, of Waterloo, said they felt they hadn’t been consulted and were being pushed out.

In a statement Town said that the changes had been planned by Syngenta but could not go ahead before due to lack of funds.

The statement said there had been “full and proper consultation” involving the Rec Club Committee, which represented the club’s ‘founder members.’

The two tables earned just £50 a week and were “totally uneconomic.”

The statement added: “Huddersfield Town is investing millions into the facility for the good of its 2,000 strong membership, the wider community and the football club.

“This investment in the facility is unprecedented during times of economic hardship and is designed to improve its long-term viability.

“When the work on the snooker room is complete the venue will be hugely improved and that will be to the benefit of everyone.”

Bob Thompson, of the Rec Club Committee, said there had been extensive consultation.

He added: “Most people find change a little unsettling but to the credit of the majority of members, they have seen the potential benefits of the changes.”