New proposals to transform a set of aging tennis courts in Burnham-On-Sea into a new £75,000 public recreational activity area have been unveiled this week.
Town councillor Mike Murphy is leading the plans to develop the Crosses Penn gardens in Burnham-On-Sea, next to the town’s Manor Gardens.
Two modern new, all-weather multi-use games areas are proposed – one would be dedicated to tennis and the other would allow netball, basketball, football and hockey to be played. There would also be new lighting.
Cllr Murphy said: “Tennis has been played at Crosses Penn for 100 years and it’s important that it continues, but the current facilities are looking sad and run down. They are under-used and attract anti-social behaviour.”
He says the modern new facilities would have many benefits: “They will promote health, fitness and wellbeing; would provide new sports facilities for tourists and residents; help to reduce anti-social behaviour in the gardens; and encourage social interaction and team spirit.”
Mr Murphy added: “The cost will be at least £75,000 and we’d be looking to Sedgemoor to provide half the funding while our half would include grants sourced via a new Community Interest Company.”
It has been proposed that a new group – to be called the Crosses Penn Charitable Trust – will be formed. It will be a non-charitable, non-profit Community Interest Company comprising of local businesses and residents interested in helping the plans become a reality.
Cllr Nick Tolley welcomed the proposals: “This is a very important part of Burnham-On-Sea that we don’t want to lose. This would be absolutely super for the town.”
Cllr Peter Clayton said: “I am very much in favour of developing the tennis courts in this way, but we will have to be mindful that this in the middle of a residential area with many people living close by. The plans need to be sympathetic to the residents, but I definitely support them.”
Cllr Janet Keen added: “These are brilliant proposals,” while Cllr Helen Groves said the plans would be “great for residents.”
Councillors have formed a working party to further investigate the plans and also look into the permissions needed for the development of the public site.
