Work starts on revamp of tennis club’s courts
District council provides £11,500 towards upgrade as part of Move More campaign
WORK has started on upgrading the courts at Leek Tennis Club to increase their usability and encourage more people to take up physical activity.
The cash has come from Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, whose Move More strategy aims to get Moorlands residents moving more every day.
The tennis club has received £11,500 towards a £30,000 scheme to install an artificial grass surface at one court and refurbish two other courts.
The club has seen an influx of older players and there is a developing relationship with the local U3A whose members are often found on the tennis courts.
The club also runs a Lawn Tennis Association youth programme for children aged six to 11; offers summer holiday activities for children; and works closely with two schools to provide tennis coaching sessions.
Councillor Matt Swindlehurst, cabinet member for leisure and tourism, said: “Moving more every day has a positive impact on physical and mental health and is something we and our partners are encouraging people across the district to build into their daily habits and routines.
“Taking part in recreational tennis is one of the ways people can increase their activity levels – and the Council can provide financial support to help clubs and organisations improve their facilities to broaden their appeal to a wider range of people.
“The funding we’ve provided to Leek Tennis Club means they can replace a tarmacadam court surface with artificial grass to reduce the impact of the players who use the court – especially those who suffer with joint pain and older people.
“I hope that by investing in these improvements we’ll see more people – of all ages – out on court enjoying the facilities.”
People wishing to use the facilities at the Park Road site can book online via the club website on a pay and play basis or join the club.