Spalding tennis courts in line for £120k makeover

Anyone for tennis? The courts at Ayscoughfee Gardens look set to receive a much-needed £120,000 makeover.

The future of the facility will be discussed at South Holland District Council’s cabinet on Tuesday, after a successful bid to claim a share of a £30 million pot.

The four courts are currently in need of updating. The surface is uneven, one of the four courts has its net missing and on Tuesday a traffic cone and cinder block were left in the playing area.

Updates to the court would also include an electric gate and access lock, plus the introduction of an online app which would allow the community to book the courts.

“In October 2021 the Government and Lawn Tennis Association announced a £30 million funding package to refurbish more than 4,500 public tennis courts throughout the United Kingdom,” the officer’s report stated.

“Having initially been brought to the attention of the LTA by a local tennis coach, the courts in Ayscoughfee Gardens were subsequently identified by the LTA as meeting their criteria for full refurbishment.”

After agreeing to put £20,000 towards the costs from their reserves, the authority qualified for £101,442.88 from the LTA.

It is expected that improving the courts and public access to tennis in the area will increase participation and activity levels.

“The funding on offer provides a unique opportunity to secure the refurbishment of a key leisure resource in South Holland in order to increase engagement and participation in physical activity and further enhance the offer to the magnificent Hall and Gardens at Ayscoughfee,” the report concluded.

The report recommends the cabinet accepts the grant award.