Tennis courts open after £117k renovation

A tennis court in Surrey has reopened after an extensive renovation.

Resurfacing and repainting work has been completed and new fencing, nets and a gate system at West Byfleet Recreation Ground tennis courts has been installed.

The work follows an £117,000 investment by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

Woking Borough Council leader, Ann-Marie Barker, said: “If you’ve been inspired by the Olympics and Wimbledon, now’s the time to dust off your tennis racket, ask for new balls and book yourself a court."

She said it was important for the community to have these facilities, "to give everyone the opportunity to be active and healthy".

The LTA provided £56,000 of funding, while an additional £61,000 was used from West Byfleet’s share of neighbourhood CIL funding.

Julie Porter, chief operating officer at LTA, said the courts were “in better shape than ever”.

“Public tennis courts are such vital facilities for getting active and we want as many people as possible, of all ages and abilities, to pick up a racket and enjoy playing tennis,” she said.

“Thanks to this investment the sport will be opened up to more players, for years to come.”

To celebrate the reopening, a free event will be held on 15 September.

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