Spalding’s Ayscoughfee tennis courts get a makeover – but councillors call for investment in rest of South Holland
Tennis courts in Spalding will be getting a £120,000 make-over – but calls have been made for improvements to the district’s sporting facilities.
Four tennis courts at Ayscoughfee Gardens will be renovated after South Holland District Council’s cabinet agreed to go ahead with the project.
A total of £120,000 will be invested to fully renovate the courts with £100,000 coming from the UK Government and Lawn Tennis Association Foundation (LTA), supported by a £20,000 investment by the district council.
Following the refurbishment – promised to finish on August 21 - regular weekly free sessions, local leagues and access to equipment for those without their own rackets or tennis balls are planned.
Coun Bryan Alcock welcomed the investment but called for improvements across the district.
At Tuesday’s meeting he said: “I am absolutely delighted we are able to do it but it does highlight that there is an awful lot of money in Spalding and Holbeach but the rest of the district would like to find a way of jumping on it.
“We are quite good at doing things for Spalding and Holbeach but can’t we find a formula where parish councils can be helped.
“There are tennis courts in Crowland and there are some in Long Sutton. As for our courts in Crowland the parish council is working away at trying to find a solution for refurbishment.”
Leader of the council Nick Worth said: “One thing I would like to do over the next six or seven months is to come out to these villages and towns to find out what would make a difference.”
Coun Alcock advised him to ‘wear a tin hat’.
Coun Liz Sneath said there are hopes to introduce walking and wheelchair tennis.
She added: “This fits in so well with what we are trying to do in enabling people to get active.”
Work has already begun June and is due to be finished in August.
During the renovations the Love Lane Gate to Ayscoughfee will be closed to avoid disruption to the works, with residents and visitors encouraged to use the churchyard access instead.
When reopened a small fee will be reintroduced to use the courts.
“We are delighted to have the opportunity to improve and hopefully widen the use of these courts, which are a great way for residents and visitors to get outdoors and get active together,” said Coun Tracey Carter after the meeting.
