Netballers seek money for work on old courts

Heretaunga College’s grotty old netball courts are set for a makeover.

The Upper Hutt Junior Netball Club is looking to raise $40,000 to have the seven college courts resealed.

More than 600 children play on the courts each weekend during the netball season. Upper Hutt City Council has pledged to pay for half the total cost of resealing, an estimated $120,000.

The club is the biggest user of the netball courts.

Life member Suzzanne Driscoll said the college has been generous in making the courts available and the club did not expect it to help financially.

The club was hoping to raise the funds by January so they could start the resealing work during the school holidays.

Driscoll said the damage to the courts had been gradual but maintenance was now badly needed. There had not been any maintenance over the last 15 years.

‘‘Some of the courts need atten- tion sooner rather than later, so we told the college we would reseal them.’’

The club has managed to save $20,000 and has had no funding from the council in the 34 years it’s been running.

Local business have been approached for support as the club looks to increase its fundraising efforts.

They are holding a gold coin day for people wanting to watch the netball on August 19, and have a movie night planned at Miro Cinema.