Residents unhappy over new tennis court fees

Renovation work has started but has yet to be finished at Russell Park, which now includes a key-coded lock

Town residents have criticised a council for bringing in fees to play tennis on its courts.

Bedford Borough Council said £370,000 had been invested in the refurbishment of courts at Allen Park, Southfields in Kempston, Bedford Park, Mowsbury Park and Russell Park.

Prices of £6 an hour, or family annual passes of £40, were being set "to ensure sustainable maintenance of the facilities", it said.

Bedford parent Kelly Cowin said it would price many families out of being able to play, while another said it would provide "barriers" to people being healthy.

The renovation of the Southfields tennis courts in Kempston has been completed

The council said renovation funds had come from the government and the LTA Tennis Foundation.

Work at Allen Park and Southfields has been completed, but is continuing at the other three parks.

The National Tennis Association (NTA) has been appointed to manage the courts, which will have to be booked once the booking system is operating. Until then, the courts remain free to use.

"The introduction of these fees will contribute to a dedicated fund aimed at financing future repairs and maintenance of the courts," the council said.

It added it would participate in an LTA initiative to see "two hours of free informal tennis play each week".

The tennis courts at Russell Park will be reduced in number following refurbishment

Mrs Cowin has sons aged 10, 13 and 15, and said: "It really saddens me that my boys no longer have free access to the courts.

"Over the years we've often gone for spontaneous play. It feels like a really poorly thought out decision, and means many people will just not be able to afford to play sport that can be so good for mental health."

A mother, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "I think these restrictions will reduce the numbers of people playing from about 100 a week to about 10 to 20.

"No-one pays for basketball, football, Parkrun, so why tennis?

"It's supposed to be making people healthier, not putting in barriers."