Charges introduced at city centre tennis courts

Cambridge City Council said it would start charging fees at two of its most popular outdoor tennis courts, including at Jesus Green

Two sets of tennis courts in Cambridge city centre will no longer be free, and players will have to pay up to £5 to use them.

Cambridge City Council said the charges would be introduced at Christ's Pieces and Jesus Green from 7 April.

The authority said it was "facing financial pressures" and it had to look at ways to save money as all as maintaining and improving its tennis courts.

Eight other council-run courts in six city locations will remain free to use.

The authority said it wanted to continue giving residents the chance to play the sport, but maintaining tennis courts cost money.

It added the typical national cost to book council owned outdoor tennis courts was more than £7 per session.

From Monday, it will cost £5 for 45 minutes on Christ's Pieces and Jesus Green between 12:15 and 14:30 BST, and after 18:15 BST.

It will cost £2 for 45 minutes between 07:00 and 12:15 BST and between 14:30 and 18:15 BST.

There are four courts at Christ's Pieces and six, including two grass courts, at Jesus Green.

A city council spokesperson said: "Like other councils nationally, Cambridge City Council is facing financial pressures and is having to look at where it can save money or generate income."

They added: "This money will allow us to maintain and improve our tennis courts in the coming years to make sure all residents have access to high quality facilities in their local neighbourhoods."