Hoping for a return to court

NEWBURY Badminton League is hoping to be back in action next month – Government guidance permitting.

The league, like all sports across the country, was forced to shut down in March because of the coronavirus.

And although other, mainly outdoor sports, have been able to resume, badminton has still been locked down.

League publicity officer David Lowe said: “We are continuously reviewing the latest guidance from the Government, facility owners and Badminton England regarding the availability of venues.

“Our venues are typically indoor sports halls, frequently linked to schools.

“Some indoor venues are now beginning to open and Badminton England have been providing guidance on how we could recommence playing in a safe manner – training, singles play and restricted doubles, all with restrictions.

“We are led to believe that more venues may become available in September as schools reopen.

“This, together with guidance from Badminton England, will we hope lead to us recommencing league matches at some point during the season, but a likely date is difficult to predict.