A planned six-figure investment in run-down tennis courts could deliver the next Andy Murray in Renfrewshire, an elected member has said.
More than £300,000 has been set aside to refurbish and develop the sport facilities at Robertson Park in Renfrew, Brodie Park in Paisley and Park Road in Johnstone as part of a major Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) project.
OneRen, the trust delivering leisure and sport on behalf of the council, will take responsibility for managing the facilities once renovation works are complete.
Councillor Michelle Campbell, convener of the infrastructure, land and environment policy board, revealed her joy as the funding was confirmed and suggested the area could be the birthplace of the next big name in tennis.
She said: “I’m delighted to see this huge investment in our local tennis courts that would bring them up to a standard that would benefit our communities for years to come.
“We know how important sport and exercise is to people of all ages and these upgraded facilities would give people the chance to play the game they love in our parks – and who knows, the next Andy Murray might be from Renfrewshire.”
It has been proposed that free tennis will be provided by OneRen between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, and free coaching offered to local school children through the Active Schools programme.
Councillor Lisa-Marie Hughes, chair of OneRen, said: “We’re delighted to be part of the partnership delivering on this investment and our Active Schools teams will work with children and young people to develop their skills, inspiring the next generation and maybe even a future Wimbledon champion.”
The aim of the investment – a venture from the LTA Tennis Foundation and UK Government, delivered by the LTA – is to bring park courts in poor or unplayable condition back to life for the benefit of the community, as well as making it easier to find and book a facility.
Julie Porter, chief operating officer at the LTA, said: “We are delighted to have the chance to work with Renfrewshire Council to improve their park tennis facilities and provide more opportunities for anyone to pick up a racket and get active.”
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