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Refurbishment work to the tennis courts is set to get underway at West Byfleet Recreation Ground, following partnership investment from the UK Government, Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) Tennis Foundation and Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding.
Two tennis courts will be renovated, with investment of over £117,000 helping ensure that quality facilities are available for the local community.
The project is part of a nationwide investment by government and the LTA Tennis Foundation, delivered by the LTA, to refurbish public tennis courts across the UK and open the sport to many more people.
The investment will see thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities through renovation works, and improved court accessibility with new gate-access technology and booking systems.
Cllr Ellen Nicholson, Portfolio Holder for Living Well at Woking Borough Council, said: “It is vital that the borough provides opportunities for young people and adults to be active, and playing sport is an excellent way of developing fitness and improving mental health.
“Accessible facilities in parks are particularly critical to opening up the sport to those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, women and girls. I am pleased that this investment will create these opportunities for Woking residents, and lead them to a happier, healthier lifestyle.”
In addition to investment of over £56,000 from the Government and LTA Tennis Foundation, £61,000 has come from West Byfleet’s share of neighbourhood CIL funding, following a successful application supported by the West Byfleet Neighbourhood Forum. CIL funding consists of financial contributions from developers towards community infrastructure, facilities, and services. Find out more about CIL contributions.
Once the refurbishment works are complete, the council and a local provider will work with the LTA to deliver a range of activities.
This will include weekly free park tennis sessions for all ages, playing levels and experience where equipment is provided, meaning that people will not need someone to play with or own their own racquet. Local tennis leagues will also provide friendly, sociable, opportunities to get active through local competition.
All courts and sessions at all sites will be available to book online via the LTA website www.lta.org.uk/play making it far easier to find and book a court or activity.
Subject to the weather, refurbishment works are due to begin in the coming weeks.