Tennis courts across six Oldham parks have been brought back to life following major investment.

A partnership between Oldham Council and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), the national governing body for tennis in Great Britain, has seen more than £250,000 put towards renovating and restoring the tennis courts in the borough.

The project was part of a nationwide investment by the LTA Tennis Foundation to refurbish public tennis courts across Great Britain and open up the sport to more people.

The investment means that the tennis courts at Alexandra Park, Chadderton Hall Park, Dunwood Park, High Crompton Park, Lower Memorial Park and Werneth Park have all now been renovated.

The courts, which were in poor or unplayable conditions, have been brought back to life, with the investment seeing improved court accessibility with new gate-access technology and booking systems, new resurfacing and fencing and the repainting of lines.

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Cllr Peter Dean, Cabinet Member for Thriving Communities and Culture, said: “Our park tennis courts are really popular, so I’m sure this refurbishment will be welcomed by players of all ages across the borough.

“Hopefully the better and improved facilities encourage even more people to visit our parks, have fun playing tennis and be more active.”

Through the council's partnership with LTA, a range of activities across the park sites will be delivered.

These will include organised Barclays Free Park Tennis sessions for all ages, playing levels and experience, where equipment is provided, meaning that people will not need someone to play with or their own racquet.

Local Tennis Leagues will also provide friendly, sociable, opportunities to get active through local competition. 

Julie Porter, Chief Operating Officer at the LTA, said: “After months of hard work, we’re delighted to see park tennis courts across Oldham 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.”