Tennis court to be served with revamp

Councillors have backed a £120,000 revamp of the tennis courts at Ayscoughfee Gardens.

South Holland District Council’s Cabinet on Tuesday night voted through the plan to accept a £100,000 grant from the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation.
The authority itself will be providing £20,000 for the work.
That’s due to start later this month and the meeting heard is to be finished by August 21.
New access technology and online booking system through the LTA website will also be installed to help with the security and fair use of the courts, allowing people to secure their place in advance and minimise access for non-playing activity or anti-social behaviour.
A booking fee will be introduced though.
Coun Henry Bingham, Portfolio Holder for Assets and Strategic Planning, said: “It is great news that we have been able to secure yet another piece of significant government funding for South Holland, building on our recent programme of investment to improve some of our key facilities and assets across the District, as well as our commitment to the flagship £20 million Levelling Up project at the Castle Sports Centre.
“We want to make sure that these works can have a lasting impact for our communities, and have worked closely with the LTA to ensure we have a plan that will open them up to the widest range of people possible, whilst ensuring their maintenance and quality for many years to come.”
Julie Porter, chief operating officer at the LTA, said: “We are delighted to be working with South Holland District Council to improve their park tennis facilities and provide more opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and get active.
“The courts will be available for people to use for years to come. We will also be working closely with South Holland District Council to ensure that the local community have a range of accessible opportunities to get on court, and open up our sport to many more people.”