News / Sea Mills
Refurbished tennis courts remain closed
In May, there was delight when tennis courts were given a makeover with new secure fencing, tarmac, and a smart blue and green surface.
However, within days it was obvious that something was very wrong with weeds beginning to grow through the newly laid and painted surface.
The Dingle Close tennis courts in Sea Mills had barely been advertised as open for use by operator Wesport website when they were suddenly closed.
is needed now More than ever
It’s a huge disappointment for players who had lived with dilapidated courts for years prior to their botched renovation.
The courts had been used by local children to play games and ride bikes, and by dog walkers in wet weather, but had also become a hotspot for antisocial behaviour.
The courts are currently locked so there is no legal access but they are still marked as ‘opening soon’ on the Wesport website.
One Dingle Close resident who did not wish to be named said: “I’m sad for the community. We were excited to see the courts being renovated after so long and it was lovely to see people using them again. Now they can’t be used by anyone.”
Wesport operate a number of courts across Bristol and residents who pay a membership fee of £35 per household per year can book courts for no additional charge.
The courts prior to renovation – photo: Mary Milton
The courts during the brief time they were open – photo: Mary Milton
The refurbishment work at Dingle Close was paid for by the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and section 106 funding from Bristol City Council.
Under section 106 of the Town & Country Planning Act, councils can receive money from developers to improve facilities in neighbourhoods.
A spokesperson for Bristol City Council said: “We are working with the contractor and the LTA to assess the condition of the courts to find a solution.
“The courts are currently not fit to play on and are closed to the public whilst this work takes place.
“Initial treatment of the weeds has been unsuccessful so we are continuing to explore other options to restore the courts to a playable condition.”
Mary Milton is reporting on Sea Mills as part of Bristol24/7’s community reporter scheme, a project which aims to tell stories from areas of Bristol traditionally under-served by the mainstream media
Main photo: Mary Milton
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