Council approves ‘pay to play’ pilot scheme to update and improve tennis courts
Plans for a pilot scheme to update and improve several tennis courts in Trafford have been rubber-stamped by councillors.
The Executive last night (24 July) gave its full support to the two-year scheme as part of its Park Tennis Investment and Sustainability programme. This scheme will likely include tennis courts in Sale’s Ashton Park, Moor Nook Park and Walton Park.
As part of the programme, the council will team up with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to initially improve and resurface 11 courts for current players and future generations to enjoy. The LTA has put together a funding package of £267,000 to invest in the work and will work with the Council to improve, promote and market the facilities for players across the borough.
The Executive met to discuss implementing the new scheme where players are charged a small fee to cover general and scheduled maintenance, including the introduction of a specialist operator to increase and sustain usage of the courts.
In February this year, Trafford Council launched a consultation with residents regarding the Park Tennis Investment and Sustainability programme which received 830 responses. The Council will be working closely with residents to discuss the plan and proposals going forward.
Cllr Cath Hynes, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Culture, Leisure and Strategic Partnerships, said: “We are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of residents across the borough through sport and other means. The Park Tennis Investment and Sustainability programme will mean that good quality and affordable tennis courts will be provided for the public to use for many years to come.
“This is a two-year pilot scheme and we will be fully monitoring it throughout this period to see if we need to make any changes. Like a similar scheme in Manchester, there is a small charge to hire courts but we will still be hosting free tennis sessions and will be engaging closely with our communities on the new scheme.”
