Park tennis courts in Blaenau Gwent have been officially reopened after a £37,516.70 renovation, managed by the LTA, and funded by the UK Government and LTA Tennis Foundation and Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council.
Tennis courts in Six Bells Park, which are among those to have benefited from this investment, hosted a ceremony attended by Alun Davies MS; Blaenau Gwent Council’s Deputy Leader Cllr Helen Cunningham and local councillors, along with representatives from the LTA. There was an opportunity for people from the local community to pick up a racket and get on court for a range of tennis sessions.
Through the Parks Tennis Project, the LTA is delivering the biggest ever investment in parks tennis facilities across Britain, which has been used to transform two courts across the local area, providing a significant boost to sporting facilities.
The courts at Six Bells Park have undergone renovation to ensure viability for years to come, and now have the functionality to book courts online. This nationwide programme of investment is seeing thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country, providing vital opportunities for children and adults to get active.
As well as weekly free park tennis sessions, with equipment provided, the new courts will host Local Tennis Leagues, giving people the opportunity to get involved in friendly and social local competitions.
All courts will be available to book via the LTA website. New booking systems and gate access technology means it is now easier to get on court by booking in advance to guarantee availability. A household annual pass can be purchased for £39, and student annual pass costs £19. Pay-and-play costs £4.50 per hour – small fees will ensure that the courts are maintained at their new high standard for years to come. The LTA and Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council will work together to ensure free park tennis sessions are available on the courts providing regular opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and play.
Cllr Helen Cunningham, Cabinet Member for Place and Environment at Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council said:
“We are very grateful to the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and local community groups for their support in improving the Six Bells Park tennis courts. This refurbishment will provide opportunities for the local and wider community to play tennis no matter at what level and at top quality facilities.”
Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said:
“After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see park tennis courts across Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council officially back open to the public, and in better shape than ever.
“Public tennis courts are such vital facilities for getting active and we want as many people as possible, of all ages and abilities, to pick up a racket and enjoy playing tennis. Thanks to this investment the sport will be opened up to more players, for years to come.”
Stuart Andrew MP, Sports Minister, said:
“We are committed to levelling up access to sport which is so important for the nation’s physical and mental health.
“The Government and the LTA are working together to deliver thousands of refurbished courts across Great Britain, supported by £30 million of investment including in Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council
“These improved tennis facilities in Blaenau Gwent will provide the local community with fun opportunities to get active and potentially become the next Andy Murray or Emma Raducanu.”
