I can understand the bean counter mentality in closing runways but what I find strange is that as why in the case of our local airport when they closed 02/20 which is now used as a taxiway they don't allow it to be used at the pilots discretion. Its not exactly LHR.
Not only does it limit training but it results in having to go elsewhere to familarise students to different runway perspectives.
I doubt if they would refuse if the wind warranted it in an emergency but it is an annoyance.