Over £26,000 of council funding has been awarded to Lympsham Tennis Club for it to carry out a project to upgrade the village’s tennis courts.
The club has been given £26,168.41 from the Coastal RLT3 funds pot, which comprises of contributions for community facilities from local housing developers.
The project – which has a total cost of £53,9956 – will see new court surfacing (£23,490), new LED flood lights (£15,726) and fencing works (£14,740.00) undertaken.
The club says: “Courts are used by members who reside throughout the Sedgemoor district along with visiting teams for both summer and winter leagues. There are no restrictions on use and courts are wheelchair accessible.”
“The club coach provides a comprehensive programme of courses and attracts tiny tots (under five years), experienced players and a ladies group. The adjoining Lympsham Academy Primary School have agreed access for recreational activities during school, after school and holiday use as the school has very limited outdoor play space.”
“There is also a ‘pay & play’ facility, allowing local non-members who wish to play occasionally this facility, which is used quite regularly including by holidaymakers who visit the area.”
Sedgemoor’s Parks and Open Spaces Project Officer, Marina Turner, said: “£3,947.30 of RLT3 funds was granted by Sedgemoor in 2012 for new floodlighting as their previous floodlights were faulty.”
“This is likely to have been done on a budget, with the replacement system now becoming outdated as new LED schemes are installed at other clubs at much higher costs (hence complaints received from visiting teams).”
“Advice has been sought from the Lawn Tennis Association regarding the lighting. The club is in danger of losing members who struggle playing under the current lights when compared to other clubs lighting schemes.”
“This project has my full support which will help the Club to completely resurface the courts and contribute towards the lighting.”
“The Club celebrates its 25th anniversary this year so it would be very fitting if they could provide an improved playing surface for its members, visiting teams, and other casual players who benefit from their ‘pay and play’ facility.”
Letters of support were received from Lympsham Parish Council and Pawlett Parish Council.
