Residents will soon have a greater incentive to take up tennis once improvements to community courts are complete.

National lockdown restrictions mean that public tennis courts across the borough are currently closed, but Bury Council is using this time to upgrade the courts with new fencing, new playing surfaces and a smart access gate.

The work is being done at courts in the following parks:

• Nuttall Park, Ramsbottom
• Manchester Road Park, Bury
• Bolton Road Park, Radcliffe
• Openshaw Park, Bury
• Hamilton Road Park, Whitefield
• Whitehead Park, Bury

To ensure tennis is available for everyone, the new investment will offer a mix of free and paid-for play, alongside community taster and coaching sessions.

When the tennis courts are permitted to open again, users will need to book a session online, on which they will be given an access code to open the gate to the courts. This will help ensure that the facilities remain in good condition and that the number of people using the courts can be monitored.

Councillor Andrea Simpson, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Lockdowns and local restrictions have been very frustrating for the borough’s sports men and women, not to mention young people. Exercise is so important, at this time and at any time, and we’re using this opportunity to improve our facilities so that players can enjoy getting back into action once the courts reopen.”

All players wishing to use the courts should register online at https://www.burytennis.co.uk

For more information, and to participate in a quick poll, go to https://www.onecommunitybury.co.uk/smart-access-for-bury-tennis

While tennis courts are closed, the LTA have a dedicated online hub – https://www.lta.org.uk/tennis-at-home-hub/– where you can find a host of support and advice to keep active, healthy and entertained at home.

ENDS