Bradford tennis courts brought back to life with £462k investment

New balls please! Ten tennis venues across Bradford are to be given a £462,000 boost

Ten tennis courts in parks in Bradford are to be renovated thanks to almost half a million pounds of new funding.

The scheme to bring the public courts "back to life" is the result of a partnership between the city council and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA).

It is part of plans by the government and LTA Tennis Foundation to refurbish public tennis courts across the UK.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby said sports facilities were key to creating "health and wellbeing".

The park venues being renovated with £462,000 of investment are Bowling Park, Lister Park, Peel Park, Haworth Central Park, Northcliffe Park, Myrtle Park, Cottingley Manor Park, Temple Rhydding Park, Silsden Park and Menston Park.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby (left) said wherever people in the district lived access to sports facilities was key to wellbeing

Ms Ferriby, Bradford Council's executive member for healthy people and places, said: "It is great to work with the LTA to see the investment and breathe new life into our tennis courts and work on opening up tennis to more of our residents."

Meanwhile, Julie Porter, chief operating officer at the LTA, said: "We are delighted to be working with the council to improve their park tennis facilities and provide more opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and get active."

'Vital activity'

The national campaign will see thousands of existing park tennis courts in poor or unplayable condition brought back to life for the benefit of communities across the country through renovation and improved court accessibility with new gate-access technology and booking systems.

A council spokesperson said park tennis courts were "vital in providing opportunities for children and adults to get active", particularly in opening up the sport "to those from lower socio-economic backgrounds and women and girls".

The spokesperson said the council would also work with the LTA to deliver weekly free park tennis sessions, aimed at all ages and playing levels, where equipment was provided so participants would not need someone to play with or their own racket.